Question
Saving lives at sea is not a political choice but a moral duty that we are all proud that our RNLI has been undertaking for over 200 years. RNLI volunteers are infinitely more patriotic than those who seek to abuse them. Will the Minister share with us how he will better protect and afford safety to those valiant RNLI volunteers in places like Eastbourne and across the country so that they can continue their life-saving work?
Answer
Let me reassure the hon. Gentleman that, as a result of their being emergency workers, criminal penalties apply to any such abuse, discrimination or assault. The Government take enforcement of that incredibly seriously, and it is something that I will be certain to monitor extremely closely alongside my Home Office colleagues. Along with the Prime Minister and other colleagues in this House, I have written to the RNLI to express my support. The hon. Gentleman is right to say that they represent the best of British values. Coming from ordinary backgrounds themselves, they volunteer their time to go out to save people at sea. They are the best of our society and they deserve our protection, respect and support. This Government will stand behind them every step of the way.50% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (35/100)
The reply points to existing criminal penalties for abuse or assault against RNLI volunteers, which it says apply because they count as emergency workers, and commits to close monitoring of enforcement with Home Office colleagues. It does not set out any new steps to better protect volunteers, as the question asked, and it does not address the Eastbourne-specific element. The question is therefore only partly answered, and the person who asked would likely need to follow up for the missing detail.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What steps the Minister will take to better protect and ensure the safety of RNLI volunteers, including in Eastbourne and across the country. | Partially Addressed | Direct | The reply names a concrete existing mechanism, criminal penalties for abuse or assault against RNLI volunteers because they are emergency workers, and commits to monitoring enforcement closely with Home Office colleagues. However, it describes existing protections and monitoring rather than new steps to 'better protect' volunteers, and it does not address the Eastbourne-specific element, so the answer is incomplete. |