Understand
Portsmouth RNLI crew children facing bullying, councillors told
Overview
Portsmouth city councillors were informed during a debate that the children of RNLI crew members have faced bullying at school due to volunteers' involvement in rescuing small boat migrants in the English Channel. An email from the lifeboat station detailed various forms of abuse and intimidation directed at crew members, leading to a motion to grant the RNLI the Freedom of the City, which was passed despite opposition and debate over politicisation.
Key points
- Children of two RNLI crew members have faced bullying at school because of their parents' involvement in the charity.
- RNLI volunteers have experienced abuse, intimidation, and being called traitors and cowards following migrant rescues.
- An email from the lifeboat station detailed incidents including personal confrontations in pubs and shops, online publication of names, and suspicious vehicles near the station.
- Portsmouth city councillors voted to support giving the RNLI the Freedom of the City amid debate and opposition from Reform UK and Conservative groups.
- Portsmouth's lifeboat station was temporarily taken out of service following anti-migrant protests, prompting security reviews by the RNLI.