Far-right protesters in Portsmouth vilify RNLI rescuers after migrant boat rescue
A far-right group confronted RNLI crews in Portsmouth, calling them “traitors” for rescuing a migrant-laden boat, while police launched an investigation into masked protesters who injured officers and damaged vehicles.
RNLI lifeboat crews based on the Isle of Wight saved a “mega dinghy” with roughly 120 migrants that drifted into UK waters from Cherbourg. Upon returning, the volunteers were confronted by black-clad protesters in Portsmouth who shouted insults such as “traitors” and “scum” at the rescuers. Police investigations are underway to identify the masked participants who injured officers and damaged vehicles during the demonstration.
Government ministers condemned the “intimidating and thuggish behaviour,” while the RNLI reiterated its duty to rescue anyone in danger at sea, regardless of nationality. Local officials, including a Conservative mayor and the MP for Portsmouth North, praised the volunteers and called for respect. The protests follow similar anti-migration actions in Dover, prompting criticism from anti-racist groups about the tactics used.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the same facts about far-right protesters attacking RNLI volunteers, but left-leaning coverage emphasizes the intimidation and thuggish behaviour of the protesters, while right-leaning coverage highlights the RNLI chief’s condemnation of deliberate misinformation and threats against volunteers.
LEFT
Far-right protesters vilify rescuers, stressing intimidation and thuggish behaviour and praising the volunteers’ duty to rescue all migrants
RIGHT
RNLI chief condemns abuse, stressing deliberate misinformation, threats and the need to protect volunteers
The left emphasises
- protesters shouted insults such as “traitors” and “scum”
- government ministers condemned the “intimidating and thuggish behaviour”
- RNLI reiterated its duty to rescue anyone in danger, regardless of nationality
The right emphasises
- protests generated deliberate misinformation about the charity’s mission
- volunteers faced threats and personal information was circulated online
- RNLI chief pledged steps to safeguard volunteers and highlighted the charity’s lifesaving record
How this story developed
- Sep 5 Masked demonstrators block traffic at the Port of Dover ferry terminal
- Sep 5 Roads to the Port of Dover were reopened after the protest was cleared.
- Sep 6 Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and minister Robert Jenrick publicly condemned the protest.
- Sep 8 Police opened an inquiry into the protest with no arrests made at the time.
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