Royal National Lifeboat Institution (No. 2)

That this House celebrates the outstanding work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which for more than 200 years has stood ready to save lives at sea, regardless of who is in danger; recognises the thousands of RNLI volunteers who give their time, often at considerable personal risk, to respond to emergencies and bring people safely home, providing an essential service to the nation; further celebrates the RNLI’s unique place in the life of communities across the United Kingdom and Ireland, and particularly recognises the important contribution made by the organisation to the town of Poole, where its headquarters and the RNLI College are based; expresses its pride in the RNLI’s world-leading role in international drowning prevention and in providing water safety education and awareness campaigns; notes that the RNLI is an independent charity whose lifeboat crews work in partnership with HM Coastguard to respond to people in distress at sea and whose lifeguards patrol our beaches; condemns the recent abuse, threats, and misinformation directed towards brave RNLI volunteers and staffers; insists that the RNLI’s volunteers should be able to carry out their lifesaving work without political pressure, prejudice or fear for their own safety; and urges the Government and the public to continue their support for this vital organisation to guarantee their future as a national institution of which communities across the country can be proud and so that the RNLI team can continue to act with courage, compassion and without discrimination.