The RNLI and its volunteers represent the best of us - Yorkshire Post Letters

An excellent article by Ismail Mulla (September 11) about far right protesters and the RNLI. Like many others I firmly believe the RNLI represents the best of Britain. Volunteer crews sometimes risk their own lives to save other lives at sea. There are countless examples of heroism and devotion to duty, all without payment or reward.

The RNLI's duty is to save lives. A simple aim. There are no caveats about skin colour, country of origin or the moral probity of those to be saved. It is a great British example of quiet, unsung devotion to duty carried out fairly.

Yet some on the far right have chosen to attack the RNLI and its volunteers. They circulated ignorant stories about the RNLI housing migrants - as if it could! Showing a total lack of heroism shown by lifeboat crews they are frightened to show their faces and hide behind masks. Reminds me of the bad old days of IRA terrorists for whom the balaclava was essential wear. They should be ashamed of themselves.

If they are genuinely protesting about migration then they've left it a bit late. Small boat crossings are now in decline, a good thing. Migration actually peaked in 2023, having risen in the years after Brexit. Just coincidentally when the Conservatives were in power and Boris Johnson was Prime Minister. But like many on the right they only open their mouths when there is a Labour Government.

It's a fitting recognition of the RNLI's work that donations to the charity rose after the far right attacks on the charity. They also rose after Nigel Farage made ignorant remarks about the RNLI a while back.

In fairness to Mr Farage he's not repeated those remarks. That shows the genuine respect the British people have for the RNLI and the contempt they have for its critics.

The RNLI deserves our full support.