11 September 2026

Peter Sparkes is the Chief Executive of the RNLI. Recently, the charity became the subject of verbal and physical abuse because it was involved in the rescue of some migrants crossing the English Channel in small  boats.  Protesters hidden behind balaclavas and laptops turned their anger on the charity.

There are four important things to remember about the RNLI. Firstly, throughout its 200 year history, the RNLI lifeboats have been manned by volunteers. The people who are involved in these rescues at sea are not paid for the work they do. ‘They selflessly give up their time to keep others safe.’ said Sparkes.

Secondly, the RNLI is available to rescue anyone and they have done this in all weathers, in war and peace. They have ‘selflessly dedicated themselves to rescuing people they have never met before, without judgement, fear or favour’.

Thirdly, they are an apolitical organisation. They do not choose sides. They respond to the calls which the coastguard make. In 2025, they made 9,058 calls of which 109 were in the English Channel. This represents only 1.2% of their work. They saved 389 lives last year.

Fourthly, migrants who are in danger of drowning are saved just like any other human being but they are not saved from the strictures of  the law. The RNLI is obliged to hand them over to the UK immigration authorities. Some of the protesters didn’t seem to realise this.

There has been a lot of misinformation shared on the internet about the RNLI’s involvement with the migrants. But it is purely humanitarian – rescuing them from drowning in the sea. Their selflessness, courage, and generosity of time and skill illuminate the best qualities of our civilised, gracious society.