RNLI volunteers targeted by far-right protesters in Portsmouth

Far-right demonstrators targeted Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteers in Portsmouth on September 6, 2026, following a mission that brought approximately 120 migrants ashore. Organized by the Patriot Platform group led by Daniel Thomas, the protest involved verbal abuse of the crew, road blockages, and clashes with police. Following the incident, the crew’s personal details, including names and addresses, were circulated online, and volunteers were labeled “traitors”.

As a consequence of the unrest, the Portsmouth RNLI Station was taken out of service, requiring contingency coverage from other coastal stations. The RNLI is a charity that relies heavily on volunteers, who make up 97% of its operational crew. While migrant rescues accounted for only 109 callouts in 2025, these missions have become central to debates regarding border control.

In a related legal matter, Daniel Thomas pleaded not guilty to criminal damage regarding the alleged slashing of a migrant dinghy in the English Channel. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on September 29.