Hampshire Lib Dem Councillors stand with the RNLI

Liberal Democrat County Councillors in Hampshire have paid tribute to the RNLI and its volunteers, showing their support for the lifesaving charity at a meeting of Hampshire County Council.

Councillors gathered with an RNLI flag in a show of solidarity with the charity, following reports of threats, intimidation and abuse directed at lifeboat crews for rescuing people in danger at sea.

The RNLI has been saving lives at sea for more than 200 years, with volunteers regularly putting themselves at risk to help others, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The show of support comes as Liberal Democrats in neighbouring Portsmouth have called for the city's RNLI lifeboat station to be awarded the Freedom of the City in recognition of its work.

The motion, proposed by Liberal Democrat councillors Gerald Vernon-Jackson and Billy Ansell, followed reports of abuse directed at Portsmouth lifeboat volunteers, including harassment in public and bullying of crew members' children.

Portsmouth City Council backed the motion on 13 October, despite opposition from Reform UK councillors, who voted against it after their proposed amendment was rejected.

The motion calls for consideration to be given to awarding Portsmouth Lifeboat Station the Freedom of the City, one of the city's highest civic honours.

Liberal Democrats across Hampshire have expressed their support for the RNLI and its volunteers, recognising their dedication to saving lives and the importance of standing alongside those who provide this vital emergency service.

Whatever disagreements exist over immigration policy, the work of volunteers who risk their lives to rescue others deserves recognition and respect.