RNLI volunteers face abuse from far-right agitators in Torbay and beyond

Set up in 2024, this Foundation connects MPs and Peers with vital sectors to deepen our knowledge of how they function. As a participant on the Frontline Services Scheme, I will have similar visits to other blue-light and emergency services later this year.

Some may question the RNLI’s inclusion in such a scheme, but those aware of the lifesaving work they do, day and night, all year round, no matter the conditions, will know why the RNLI undoubtedly earns its place.

But the charity’s work has been especially challenging this year, distracting them from fulfilling their sole objective of saving lives at sea.

First in Dover, then Portsmouth, and then Poole, far-right agitators, often cowardly hiding their faces behind balaclavas, have gathered to hurl abuse and film RNLI volunteers for their baying followers online.

The repercussions have been vast and devastating. We were told of RNLI volunteers’ homes being vandalised, children bullied at school, vehicles damaged. It is inexcusable, and sadly this is not the first time this has happened.

For years far-right politicians, including Nigel Farage, have deliberately obfuscated the RNLI’s work to suit their political agenda. Their behaviour not only demonstrates a shocking disregard for volunteer safety but a willingness to distort the RNLI’s work.

Of the 9,058 RNLI lifeboat launches in 2025, 109 were to those in distress in the Channel, making up just 1.2% of the charity’s total rescue work. With regard to those 190 rescues, I wonder where the humanity is among those protestors – both for the volunteers who risk their own lives, and for those aboard the small boats?

It is no small thing to voluntarily speed out into one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, to come face to face with a flimsy rubber dingy stuffed with destitute people who can't swim, sitting in water and often scalding, leaking fuel which covers their skin with chemical burns.

The fact these volunteers do this work at all is a testament to their humanity. They are the best of us and deserve to be recognised as such. I was heartened to hear how donations had soared after the news coverage of the awful protests last month.

While I was in Poole, I also took the opportunity to talk to the RNLI about the upcoming changes to Torbay and Salcombe’s lifeboat stations. You may have missed it, but earlier this month, the charity announced that both stations would receive the new Shannon class all-weather boats by 2030.

This announcement provoked some concern regarding the suitability of the Shannon, given that it is smaller than the Severn class boat currently deployed in Torbay.

However I was assured this decision is part of the charity’s long-term efforts to modernise and upgrade its fleet to reflect the changing emergencies it assists with – and that Falmouth are thrilled with their new Shannon!

Today, 95% of the RNLI’s rescues occur within five miles of the shore; just 0.2% go beyond 25 miles. In Torbay, the vast majority of callouts are related to mental health issues, and in these situations, a smaller, faster and more agile lifeboat like the Shannon is the perfect option.

For those still in doubt, the RNLI warmly invited anyone from Brixham who has concerns to come to Poole to see the new boats being built - the factory is incredible and it was great to see the new, state-of-the-art Shannon taking shape in front of us.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the RNLI volunteers in Torbay, Salcombe and across South Devon. You do incredible work in increasingly difficult circumstances. I am committed to doing whatever I can to support you and ensure the bravery of your work is fully recognised.