Police and Crime Commissioner condemns abuse of Portsmouth RNLI volunteers

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, said: “Following the RNLI’s decision to temporarily close its lifeboat station in Portsmouth due to staff welfare, I want to acknowledge the unlawful behaviour directed towards RNLI volunteers whose purpose is to keep people safe on the water.

“This comes following horrific abuse and fear directed at their volunteers on Sunday 6 September in Portsmouth and the subsequent abuse that has occurred since.

“It should not be for the RNLI to manage boats entering Britain illegally. The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) is the government’s authority in the English Channel.

“While I am pleased the RNLI has confirmed search and rescue cover continues to be provided in the Portsmouth area, coordinated by HM Coastguard, I remain deeply concerned about our water-based borders in southern England. I’m calling on the government to urgently increase the capacity of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in the English Channel and reassure law enforcement agencies this has been done.”