RNLI issues guidance over wearing uniform after staff suffer 'unacceptable abuse'

The RNLI has advised its staff to choose carefully when to wear its uniform after what it decribed as "unacceptable abuse" they have endured in recent weeks.

On Sunday an RNLI boat carrying more than 100 migrants was denied access to the Port of Southampton and the Port of Portsmouth.

With tensions rising on the South Coast over migrant arrivals, the charity put out a statement, which said: "Given the unacceptable abuse our people have faced, and with protest activity taking place at RNLI locations, we have taken action to help ensure the safety and well-being of our volunteers and staff.

"As well as enhancing security at RNLI locations, we issued guidance to our people earlier this week on how to keep themselves safe.

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"This guidance included how to manage potentially challenging interactions with members of the public, and where appropriate, choosing not to wear RNLI branded clothing.

"Our people have been reminded that their safety comes first, and they are encouraged to report relevant incidents internally and, where appropriate, to the police."

On Wednesday, the RNLI said it was working "to understand the decision to deny access" to the boat carrying the migrants.

It added it was "disappointed with the nature of the communication" with its crew who "voluntarily give their time to save the lives of others at sea".

When the migrants were landed at Eastney harbour in Portsmouth, anti-migrant protesters blocked road access to the port.

Police officers were injured and vehicles damaged during the protest.

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