RNLI volunteers say they will ignore charity advice to stop wearing branded clothing in public, arguing it amounts to "giving in to bullies" following anti-migrant protests. The advice was issued after crew members were targeted and labelled "traitors" in Dover and Portsmouth last weekend, with volunteers named in threatening posts online after helping rescue a dinghy carrying 140 migrants near Portsmouth.

The RNLI confirmed donations have risen amid public support since the row began, with an online petition backing the charity gaining 130,000 signatures. Former volunteer David Wimble, 59, who served 20 years and is now a Reform UK councillor, said he and others will keep wearing RNLI clothing with pride despite the intimidation. The RNLI said it had enhanced security and issued safety guidance, including on managing "challenging interactions," after protest activity at sites such as its college in Poole.