A Devon council urged to show support for RNLI volunteers
Teignbridge Council to debate flying RNLI flag at headquarters
Last updated 2nd Nov 2026
Teignbridge Council in Devon is being urged to express support for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) by flying its flag at the council's Forde House headquarters.
This proposal comes in response to criticism directed at the RNLI by far-right groups after volunteers rescued refugees from small boats in the English Channel.
Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley, also a Liberal Democrat councillor for Dawlish North, has filed a motion for the council to fly the RNLI flag on a selection of agreed days.
Wrigley acknowledges the RNLI's pivotal role in saving lives and protecting coastal communities, highlighting the station at Teignmouth as a key asset.
Since its founding in 1824, the RNLI has saved nearly 150,000 lives, demonstrating its importance to British coastal safety.
The charity faced severe criticism, road blockages, and threats from anti-migrant agitators, despite small-boat rescues being only a minor part of its operations.
Peter Sparkes, RNLI's chief executive, condemned the abuse, reiterating the charity’s mission to save lives irrespective of politics.
The RNLI's dedication to lifesaving continues despite unwanted backlash, and the Teignbridge Council motion aims to publicly commend these efforts.