Brexit has been cited by some figures as a contributing factor to challenges facing the United Kingdom, including the rise in small boat crossings of the English Channel. Former Labour politician Andy Burnham has attributed part of the problem to the UK's departure from the European Union, suggesting that Brexit has complicated border control efforts.

However, critics argue that leaving the EU was intended to provide the UK with greater sovereignty over its borders, enabling better management of immigration issues. Despite financial payments to France aimed at curbing illegal crossings, the flow of migrants arriving via small boats has persisted, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current measures.

Public voices, such as Shirley Whitaker from Swindon, Wiltshire, have expressed frustration with the situation, emphasizing that the UK is struggling to handle the volume of illegal immigration and urging political parties to prioritise the interests of British citizens.

The debate over the origins and solutions to the increase in small boat crossings reflects broader tensions around immigration policy and border enforcement in the post-Brexit era. While some attribute the difficulties to changes stemming from Brexit, others maintain that regaining full border control should, in theory, allow the UK to more effectively manage such issues.