Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller has spoken out in the House of Commons over abuse directed at RNLI volunteers responding to incidents in the Channel.
Speaking during Business Questions, the Liberal Democrat MP called on the Leader of the House to support a debate on how Parliament can better support lifeboat crews.
Ms Brown-Fuller highlighted abuse aimed at RNLI volunteers across the south coast, including crews at Selsey.
She told MPs: “I was shocked and appalled at the vitriol and hate shown towards volunteers for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution across the entire south coast, including at RNLI Selsey in my constituency. They go out day in, day out and show us what actual patriots look like when they are saving lives at sea. Will the Leader of the House join me in paying tribute to our brave RNLI volunteers and make time to debate how we can better support them?”
The Leader of the House responded by expressing his support for RNLI volunteers and said abuse directed at them, including online, was unacceptable.
He also said volunteers must be able to feel safe while carrying out their roles and put on record his appreciation for the work of the RNLI across the country.
Following the exchange, Ms Brown-Fuller tabled an Early Day Motion supporting the charity and recognising its contribution to saving lives at sea.
The motion notes that the RNLI has saved more than 147,000 lives since it was founded and pays particular tribute to Selsey RNLI, whose volunteers have served the Sussex coast since 1861.
Speaking afterwards, Jess Brown-Fuller said: “Abuse of any kind directed at RNLI volunteers is completely unacceptable. I've seen their work first-hand after meeting the crew at Selsey RNLI, and the dedication and skill they bring to what is often extremely dangerous work is remarkable. These are people who give up their time, freely and often at great personal risk, to keep others safe. They deserve our full support and respect, not abuse, and I'll continue to do everything I can to stand up for them in Parliament.”
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