Should the RNLI be prohibited from launching to rescue people in migrant small boats, even when tasked by HM Coastguard?
HM Coastguard tasks RNLI lifeboats to assist people in distress at sea, including in the English Channel, in line with international law requiring rescue regardless of who is involved. In 2025, only 109 of 9,058 RNLI launches (1.2%) were for Channel small boat incidents, with nearly 95% of crossings intercepted by Border Force. Recent incidents, including a large dinghy landing near Portsmouth in September 2026, have led to protests, abuse of volunteers and security reviews at RNLI stations.
44 Opinions
In retrospect, my vote looks harsh. But I was simply thinking that if we made it clear that we wouldn't respond, the onus would fall on the French to refrain from leading people into our territorial waters and to abandon them.
There should be legal penalties for illegal crossings, in the same way that people can be prosecuted for nuisance calls and false alarms. Of course people should be rescued, but the service is overstretched, and taken advantage of.
This is a poorly worded question which is framed to elicit a sympathetic vote in favour of the RNLI. I did vote no because there are clearly instances where boats find themdelves in difficulty, putting lives in danger, but I vehemently disagree with the RNLI providing a taxi service when there is no present danger, particularly when they are known economic migrants intent on entering the country illegally.
There's a difference between deporting illegal immigrants and actively choosing to let them die. They should be rescued, processed and deported. The cruelty behind this whole story is staggering.
Let's not be cruel now... regardless of what people think of these illegal migrants, they shouldn't just be left to drown at sea.
No, of course not, and this logic is just the tip of the iceberg. People are drowning, and the RNLI has the means to stop that hideous, painful death, and so they should use it - regardless of the motives of the people about to die. We do not live in a society where we judge people who are victims, or at risk, and nor should we ever aspire to do that. Smoke cigarettes? No NHS for you, then. Drive over the speed limit of the motorway and have an accident? No ambulance for you.
So what happens when rnli life boat is full of illegals and they get a call that there is a british boat sinking.
No. Their primary role is to preserve life. But in the case of the recent event in Portsmouth, two ports refused them entry as lives were not deemed to be at risk. The RNLI is being abused by border force. Moving forward there needs to be a dedicated task force, using the RN if necessary. It shouldn't be the responsibility of a charity to effectively aid the smuggling gangs in facilitating illegal migration. The government needs to get a grip.
All life is precious
Rescue and return. Simple.