Island Politicians Respond After RNLI Helps Migrants Reach Portsmouth

Island politicians have responded after two Isle of Wight RNLI lifeboats helped around 140 people ashore in Portsmouth following a small boat incident in the Channel.

The Bembridge and Yarmouth lifeboats were called out at around 10.35am on Sunday (6 September), after a vessel carrying around 160 people was reported heading towards the Hampshire coast.

HM Coastguard says lifeboats, an aircraft, helicopter and rescue teams were involved, alongside Border Force, Hampshire Police and South Central Ambulance Service.

Isle of Wight MP Richard Quigley says there were no plans to bring those rescued to the Island, and that there are no plans for an asylum processing centre here.

He said those who arrived in Portsmouth were taken to the Manston site in Kent for initial processing.

Mr Quigley said he spent around seven hours speaking with Solent MPs, the Home Office and other organisations as the operation unfolded.

He urged Islanders not to believe unsubstantiated claims on social media and defended the RNLI, saying its volunteers "don't discriminate or ask questions" when responding to people in peril at sea.

He thanked the Island crews for their "professionalism" and said Islanders were "lucky to have such dedicated and brave crews" prepared to respond when called.

Meanwhile, Isle of Wight MP Joe Robertson says he will seek answers from the Home Office about where the boat was heading and whether people smugglers are using new routes across the Channel.

He described the crossing as "extremely concerning", given its location further west than is typical.

Isle of Wight Councillor James Whelan, the Reform UK Group Leader, has also said there is currently no evidence the boat was heading for the Island or that the Isle of Wight is being used as a processing point.

There has been a contrasting response from Vix Lowthian, Leader of the Isle of Wight Green Party.

She said she did not want RNLI crews checking people's papers or immigration status before helping those in trouble at sea, adding that she was "immensely grateful" that the charity considers all life precious.

In a subsequent comment on Facebook, Ms Lowthian said that criticism of her support for the RNLI had prompted her to increase her donation to the charity to a monthly contribution.

Labour MPs representing the wider Solent area have thanked HM Coastguard and RNLI crews, while saying the Government remains focused on tackling people-smuggling gangs and reducing Channel crossings.

The circumstances surrounding the crossing and the route taken by the boat are expected to be subject to further enquiries.