Was Starmer right to link Brexit to a rise in small boat crossings?

Labour leader Keir Starmer has asserted a direct link between the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union and the escalating number of small boat arrivals on its shores. Starmer notably described these specific crossings as “Farage boats,” drawing a clear connection between the current migration challenges and the political movement that advocated for Brexit. This statement from the opposition leader suggests a critical assessment of the post-Brexit landscape, implying that the change in the UK’s relationship with the EU has played a role in the increased irregular maritime crossings. His choice of terminology further indicates an intention to attribute responsibility for these events to key figures and the overall outcome of the referendum.