RNLI volunteer targeted online and branded 'traitor' after Portsmouth protests

An RNLI volunteer in Portsmouth told BBC Verify he is not a “traitor” after being targeted online with abuse. Neil and fellow crew members were filmed on Sunday night in lifesaving gear on a lifeboat near the harbour, after hundreds of protesters descended on the area and blocked roads in response to dozens of asylum seekers being brought ashore. Anti-migrant activists later shared images, with posts on X accusing the volunteers of helping “an invasion” and calling to “name and shame” them. Some claims also incorrectly identified the RNLI crew as different people, despite online names. Neil said the vessel was there to illuminate the beach for protesters’ safety and said he would continue rescues. RNLI CEO Peter Sparkes called the abuse “wholly unacceptable,” citing charity figures.