RNLI boss appeals for abuse of volunteers to stop after migrant rescues

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The boss of the RNLI has appealed for the abuse of volunteers to stop, after crews in Kent and Sussex were sworn at and had bottles thrown at them because they rescued migrants from the Channel.

Lifeboats have played an increasingly important role in helping migrants to safety but the former UKIP leader, Nigel Farage, has accused them of becoming a taxi service for asylum seekers.

Meanwhile, the Government are denying claims that their new legislation aimed at cracking down on the channel crossings, could lead to lifeboat crews being prosecuted for helping the migrants get to the coast.

Mark Dowie, Chief Executive, RNLI said he's sad at the abuse crews are receiving.

He said: "The people of these islands are decent people and decent people will see this as humanitarian work of the highest order."

"We've seen lifejackets made of lemonade bottles and children with no lifejackets in the middle of nowhere. It's very frightening for those people."

  • Mark Dowie, Chief Executive, RNLI:

The Government hope their new tough laws will crack down on the Channel crossings.

Former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn asked if the new legislation could mean lifeboat crews end up being accused of aiding and abetting illegal immigration.

He said: "Ten days ago, a lifeboat took ten people from a dinghy into safety in a north Kent harbour. Will they be prosecuted for saving life?"

  • Jeremy Corbyn, Former Labour leader:

Chris Philip MP, Immigration Minister, said: "there is no intention in this bill to criminalise bona fide, genuine rescue operations by the RNLI."

It seems the charity will continue to be relied upon to help to rescue migrants, as figures show more than 9,000 people have crossed the Channel so far this year on board small boats, despite the dangerous journey claiming lives in the past.

In July so far, more than 3,300 have arrived in the UK in a new record for a single month, according to data analysis by PA.