Teignbridge Council urged to make show of support for 'vital' RNLI volunteers
Lifeboat crews have faced threats and online abuse after rescuing migrants in the Channel, prompting Newton Abbot’s MP to call for a public show of support in Devon
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has hit back after being criticised by far-right groups for rescuing refugees in the Channel.
Now Newton Abbot’s MP is calling on Teignbridge Council to fly the flag for the RNLI as a show of support.
Martin Wrigley, who also serves on the council as a Liberal Democrat councillor for Dawlish North, has submitted a motion to a full meeting of the local authority.
In it, he says the council should fly the RNLI flag from the roof of its Forde House headquarters on agreed days.
His proposal states: “Teignbridge is proud to have an RNLI station at Teignmouth and commends the volunteer crews, lifeguards and fundraising volunteers of our communities.”
He says that, since its formation in 1824, the RNLI has helped save nearly 150,000 lives.
The council, he adds, should acknowledge “the vital role played by RNLI stations in protecting coastal communities like Teignmouth, as well as fishermen, sailors and visitors throughout the British Isles”.
He also pays tribute to those who continue to support the charity, saying: “Thanks to all those who continue to give their time, expertise and commitment to this lifesaving service.”
The RNLI came under fire from far-right anti-migrant protesters and online agitators after its volunteers rescued asylum seekers from small boats in the English Channel.
Critics accused the charity of acting as a “taxi service” for migrants, while volunteers faced online abuse and, in extreme cases, physical threats.
Agitators blocked roads at lifeboat stations, and there were reports of crew members’ children being bullied at school.
Safety measures had to be introduced at locations including Portsmouth and Poole, with volunteers advised to consider hiding RNLI-branded clothing.
The charity’s chief executive, Peter Sparkes, strongly condemned the abuse as “wholly unacceptable”, stressing that the RNLI is a non-political charity whose sole mission is to save lives at sea.
Small-boat rescues account for only around one in every 100 of its call-outs.