Royal National Lifeboat Institution

That this House gives its unreserved support to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), its many local lifeboat stations around the country and the thousands of staff and volunteers that are involved in upholding the charity’s long-held aims and values; recognises that their job is to rescue those in danger without fear or favour, saving lives based on need rather than engaging in political debates; is appalled that the RNLI has recently been the target of unwarranted and unacceptable public criticism, including protests outside its headquarters in the Poole constituency, the abuse of local volunteers and the intimidatory tactics whereby personal addresses of volunteers have been published online, alongside accusations that they are traitors; believes that the RNLI represents the very best of Britain and that criticism of the charity is unpatriotic; and calls on hon. Members of both Houses to stand in solidarity with the charity and the selfless work of all who are involved.