Labour leader Keir Starmer has hinted that the UK may follow Italy’s lead in tackling illegal immigration after praising the success of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s approach.
During a meeting in Rome, Starmer lauded the “remarkable progress” made by Italy in reducing migrant crossings from North Africa. Under Meloni’s leadership, Italy has seen a 60% drop in illegal boat arrivals, a record that the UK struggles to match as Channel crossings from France continue.
Italy’s strategy includes financial deals with African nations such as Tunisia and Libya to curb departures, and a new agreement with Albania to process asylum claims. Migrants arriving in Italy are sent to Albania for assessment, with successful applicants returning to Italy, while others are deported to their home countries.
Starmer expressed interest in the Albanian arrangement, stating it was “early days” but worth exploring. This approach contrasts with the UK’s now-defunct Rwanda plan, which permanently deported asylum seekers without a route back.
Starmer’s endorsement of Italy’s “pragmatic” stance suggests Labour may be considering a similar strategy to address illegal migration.
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