Story perspectives

RNLI condemns volunteer abuse amid anti-migrant protests

9/9/2026

Summary

Peter Sparkes Condemns

RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes condemned abuse of volunteers after anti-migrant protests.
Protesters blocked roads at Portsmouth’s Eastney Landing while trying to stop 140 migrants.
Hundreds of masked “stop the boats” demonstrators halted traffic at the Port of Dover.
Digital Secretary Lisa Nandy said she is personally concerned about RNLI staff doxxing.
RNLI launched 9,058 lifeboats in 2025, with 109 (1.2%) responding to Channel distress and reuniting 389 families.

Summary

Police Hold

Associated British Ports said Southampton was not the nearest port and lacked suitable reception facilities.
Portsmouth City Council called Eastney “completely unsuitable” and said it caused needless disruption.
Langstone Harbour Master Billy Johnson said the coastguard was overseeing a SAR operation and saw no reason to deny entry.
Police officers remained on site as masked protesters blocked access, with the stand-off extending into early Monday.

Summary

Migrants Reach Britain

A 46-ft “mega-dinghy” crossed 70 miles from Normandy, setting the longest Channel crossing record.
The Home Office recorded 625 migrants landing on Sunday, the highest daily total since July 29.
About 130 more migrants reached Portsmouth early Monday, including 20 women and eight very young children.
French officials said migrants initially refused rescue after their outboard motor failed, leaving many without lifejackets.

History

Historical Context

RNLI chief Peter Sparkes condemned blockades at Portsmouth’s Eastney Landing, echoing a surge of anti-immigration actions that started with Rishi Sunak’s “stop the boats” pledge in January 2023 and were revived by Raise the Colours, which raised “Stop the boats” flags on the White Cliffs of Dover in September 2025. In January 2026 France banned ten British activists linked to the group.

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Peter Sparkes Condemns

RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes condemned abuse of volunteers after anti-migrant protests.
Protesters blocked roads at Portsmouth’s Eastney Landing while trying to stop 140 migrants.
Hundreds of masked “stop the boats” demonstrators halted traffic at the Port of Dover.
Digital Secretary Lisa Nandy said she is personally concerned about RNLI staff doxxing.
RNLI launched 9,058 lifeboats in 2025, with 109 (1.2%) responding to Channel distress and reuniting 389 families.

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