People around the country, including politicians, have come to the defence of the RNLI today following criticism from some newspapers and Nigel Farage. 

The charity, which is responsible for rescuing those in trouble at sea, spoke out after the former UKIP leader described them as "a taxi service for illegal immigration". 

Politicians across the political spectrum jumped the defend the RNLI, with Conservative minister Dominic Raab praising their "incredible" work during an interview with LBC. 

Meanwhile, Labour MP David Lammy urged people to donate to the charity if they believed "all lives deserve to be saved". 

Here's everything you need to know about the charity, and why it has hit the headlines. 

What is the RNLI?

The RNLI stands for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and is responsible for saving lives at sea.

Teams of volunteers rescue anyone in trouble in the water, including migrants travelling across the water often in overcrowded and unsuitable boats. 

After receiving criticism from the right wing ex-politician, the charity's CEO Mark Dowie spoke of his immense pride in the work of the RNLI. 

"I could not be prouder of our amazing volunteer lifeboat crews, who launch to the aid of anyone who is in trouble in or around the water and needs our help.

"We do not judge those we rescue – where we believe there is a risk to life at sea, we will always launch in response to a call from HM Coastguard.

"We want to be absolutely clear that we are incredibly proud of the work our volunteer lifeboat crews do to rescue vulnerable people in distress."

Who else has spoken out in support of the RNLI? 

Trending on Twitter on Thursday morning, numerous people have spoken out in support of the charity including many famous faces.

Labour MP David Lammy said: "If you believe that all lives deserve to be saved, today is a good day to donate to the RNLI."

Journalist Neil Mackay said: "Any nation which finds itself debating whether lifeboats should save people at sea is in truth engaged in its own moral death."

Meanwhile millionaire Deborah Meaden shared a video from the RNLI, saying: "And we thank you".