Reform voters would be more likely to back Labour at the next general election – but only if Sir Keir Starmer can deliver on his pledge to reduce the number of small boat crossings, a poll has found. As the Prime Minister struggles to get a grip of the Channel migrant crisis, the research suggests tackling the issue is key to securing a second term. Some 40 per cent of those planning to vote Reform UK said they would be more likely to back Labour if it gripped the issue. The polling, by Portland Communications, also suggested tackling the small boats crisis has broader appeal across all the main parties. Some 61 per cent of Labour supporters, 35 per cent of Tories, 45 per cent of Lib Dems and 37 per cent of Greens said action would make them more likely to back Labour at the next election. However more than half all those polled believed the Government has already had enough time to implement change. Voters were asked whether they would be more likely to vote Labour if the government was making 'real progress' on reducing the number of small boat crossings. Sir Keir has repeatedly pledged to 'smash the gangs' to secure Britain's borders, but he has presided over a rise in the number of small boats arriving in Britain. More than 21,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel so far this year – a record for this point in the year since collection of the data began in 2018. Downing Street said yesterday that the numbers of arrivals across the Channel are 'unacceptable', but welcomed the 'changing tactics' of French authorities in recent weeks, which has seen police slash a boat in the shallows. A No10 spokesman said: 'Clearly, more work needs to be done, we will approach that, whether that is investing in Border Security Command, whether that is working with our international allies. 'We're clear that this is an international problem, cracking down on these gangs cannot be done singularly.' However, Leena El-Refaey, director at Portland Communications, offered a note of caution for the Prime Minister. She said: 'Our report shows an impatient electorate making up its mind on Starmer before he has delivered his agenda. 'Portland's research found 56 per cent of all voters believe the government has already had enough time to implement change. When the government talks about the importance of delivery this is what's behind it.' The polling was carried out between June 16 and 17, with 1,647 participants from a nationally and politically representative sample of the UK public.