Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has attributed the ongoing migrant boat crossings to Brexit and criticised both Reform UK and the Conservative Party for leveraging the issue to advance their political interests. Speaking during a series of interviews with local radio broadcasters ahead of his party's annual conference, Sir Ed addressed questions spanning immigration, living costs, pensions, crime, and the Liberal Democrats' performance in local government.
Entering his seventh year leading the party, Sir Ed articulated a direct causal link between the UK's departure from the European Union and the emergence of small boat crossings. He stated:
We didn't have the small boats problem before Brexit. It's been caused by the Conservatives... caused by Nigel Farage. They should hang their heads in shame. And what really irritates me, is they exploit it for their own political benefit. And I think that's really wrong.
The Liberal Democrat leader is advocating for the government to initiate talks with the EU Commission to participate in its migration and asylum framework. According to recent reporting, Sir Ed contends that joining this scheme would grant the UK authority to return migrants to whichever EU nation they had transited through—a mechanism that existed prior to Brexit—and would function as what he describes as the
sole practical solutionto deter crossings.
He elaborated on this position:
When you see something working you want to be part of it. And if it would give us the right to return everyone who came in small boats, surely we'd want to do that, wouldn't we? It worked before. And if you want tough action, the Liberal Democrats are offering it.
How have small boat arrivals changed under the current government?
Under the Labour government's tenure, small boat arrivals have declined substantially. According to BBC reporting, 17,425 people crossed the Channel in small boats between 1 January and 14 September 2026, representing a 44% reduction compared to the same nine-month period in 2025. Deportations have increased by 8% during this timeframe. However, Sir Ed maintained that these improvements remain insufficient and have been realised only through collaborative international efforts, which he believes should be expanded.
What is the Liberal Democrats' position on pensions?
The Lib Dem leader pledged that his party would not support the abolition of the triple lock on pensions, maintaining that the mechanism remains financially viable. Established in 2011, the triple lock guarantees that the state pension will rise by whichever is greatest: average wage growth, inflation, or 2.5%. Sir Ed argued that the triple lock has substantially reduced pensioner poverty and that supporting pensioners need not come at the expense of young people seeking employment and opportunity.
All major political parties currently endorse the triple lock, though mounting pressure on public finances and youth employment challenges have prompted some voices to advocate for its reconsideration, with savings potentially redirected to other priorities.
What does Sir Ed say about large political donations?
When questioned about substantial donations to political parties, Sir Ed advocated for implementing a cap on contributions. He stated:
I think there needs to be a cap on donations. I have argued that my entire life. We tried when we were in government [in coalition with the Conservatives], and unfortunately a combination of Labour and the Conservatives prevented us getting those votes through.
This comment came after Reform UK received two £36 million donations the previous week, surpassing the previous record of £8 million that the Liberal Democrats accepted from Lord Sainsbury in December 2019. Defending his party's historical fundraising, Sir Ed acknowledged:
The others were getting huge amounts from their donors. While the rules are different, we have to play by the rules, as the others are playing by those rules. I want to change the rules.
How are the Liberal Democrats performing in local government?
During his interviews, Sir Ed was pressed on his party's record managing local councils. Across multiple radio stations—BBC Radio Shropshire, WM, and Somerset—he requested patience for Liberal Democrat councillors, emphasising that there exists
no magic wandto instantly reverse the fortunes of councils recently transferred to Liberal Democrat control from other parties. Nationally, he asserted that the Liberal Democrats occupy their strongest position in over a century.
What is the Liberal Democrats' strategy regarding Reform UK?
Looking toward the next general election, Sir Ed contended that in certain constituencies, only the Liberal Democrats possess the capacity to prevent Reform UK from gaining ground. He characterised this as the party's
moral responsibilityto counter Nigel Farage's party and what he termed their
nasty policies. He elaborated on public concerns:
A lot of people are really worried about Reform... their increasing racism and approach to dividing people up without any practical policies. They worry that big money is coming into British politics and foreign interference through Reform. People are worried and they don't like it.
Background on the EU migration pact proposal
The Liberal Democrats first unveiled their strategy to join the EU migration and asylum framework on 18 August 2026, arguing that participation would equip the UK with enhanced powers to return small boat arrivals and grant access to EU biometric systems. Sir Ed characterised joining the pact as the
only practical solutionto halt crossings, positioning it as a cornerstone of broader Liberal Democrat policy rather than an isolated proposal. This approach has remained central to the party's messaging on immigration throughout the campaign period.
What happens next?
The Liberal Democrats' annual conference is scheduled to commence in Brighton on 19 September 2026 and will run through 22 September 2026. Sir Ed is anticipated to unveil additional party policies during the gathering. According to BBC coverage, the party intends to continue leveraging local radio and conference appearances to reinforce its arguments on small boats and Brexit in the days surrounding the event. Sir Ed has already signalled that the conference will address pressing concerns including the cost of living crisis, with the party prepared to present comprehensive solutions for households facing financial hardship.
