Facts 

Brexit was a significant reason for the large queues. When the UK was in the European Union there were less rigorous checks at ports because of freedom of movement. Nor did French officials at Dover and Folkestone have to check passports, which makes the process longer and requires more staff. A shortage of French border staff had contributed to the long queues at Dover. 

Verdict

Sunak was making a misleading statement by denying Brexit’s responsibility for the disruption. Brexit may not have been the only factor involved but it was a significant one.

We emailed Rishi Sunak’s office, the Cabinet Office and the No 10 Press Office offering them the chance to respond. The email was received by his office, but no reply.