RNLI volunteers warned not to wear their uniform after ‘abuse’ from anti-migrant protesters

RNLI volunteers have been warned not to wear charity-branded clothing following “unacceptable abuse” from anti-migrant protesters. Demonstrators sparked fury after branding lifeboat staff “traitors” for rescuing a boat carrying asylum seekers on Sunday night. Protesters descended on Eastney Marina on Sunday, before targeting RNLI staff Credit: PA The demonstrators sparked fury after branding lifeboat crew ‘traitors’ Credit: PA Around 200 people, some wearing face coverings, descended on Eastney ferry port in Portsmouth after 140 migrants were brought to shore. Cops guarded coaches parked near the marina as protesters blocked the flow of traffic and stopped RNLI teams from accessing the port. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! And as the brave lifeboat crews returned to shore, they were branded “traitors” and met with abuse from the balaclava-clad crowd. One shouted: “Look at these guys absolute traitors to this country. Look at the state of you.” As the brave lifeboat crews returned to shore, they were met with abuse from the balaclava-clad crowd Credit: Getty Chaos was sparked following the arrival of a migrant boat from Normandy Credit: PA Protests have also been held at sites belonging to the charity, including an anti-migrant gathering outside the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset. The RNLI has now issued security advice for its hardworking staff in the wake of protests in Portsmouth and Dover. In a statement today, the charity said it had taken action to ensure the “safety and wellbeing” of staff following the “unacceptable abuse”. It said: “As well as enhancing security at RNLI locations, we issued guidance to our people earlier this week on how to keep themselves safe. Most read in The Sun “This guidance included how to manage potentially challenging interactions with members of the public, and where appropriate, choosing not to wear RNLI-branded clothing. “Our people have been reminded that their safety comes first. “They are encouraged to report relevant incidents internally and, where appropriate, to the police.” The protesters have also been accused of launching rocks and bricks at cops who were “caught off guard” during the clashes on Sunday. Chaos was sparked following the arrival of a migrant boat from Normandy – thought to be the longest-ever Channel crossing by people smugglers. It was intercepted in the Solent between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth earlier on Sunday. Portsmouth City Council said the Home Office had “serious questions to answer” over the decision to bring migrants to shore in the area. In a statement, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said a number of officers were treated at the scene for injuries, none of which were serious. The force added: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest.” Reform leader Nigel Farage said the country was on the precipice of “serious civil disturbance” and called on the protests to remain peaceful. Posting to social media, he said: “Peaceful protest: good. Uniforms and masks: bad. Voting is the only way we get a solution.” His remarks prompted Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, to urge the Reform leader to be “careful” with his words. Livestreaming the mayhem, the far-right figure had called on his supporters to “get down to Eastney”. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp also condemned the violence in Portsmouth. 1 comment1