Starmer blames BREXIT for Channel crisis hitting out at 'Farage boats'

Keir Starmer has another front in his war on Reform by blaming Brexit for the Channel crisis - saying the UK is being assailed by 'Farage boats'.

The PM made the claim about the impact of cutting ties with the EU as he scrambles to claw back Nigel Farage's huge poll lead.

But he also went into retreat after brutal barbs in his Labour conference speech, stressing the Reform leader is not a racist.

The PM described Mr Farage as 'formidable' as he denied that the swipes put safety at risk.

With Labour facing meltdown in the polls, Sir Keir levelled a series of highly personal jibes at his rival - who responded by warning that the personal safety of Reform politicians had been put at risk.