Keir Starmer, visiting Rome, commends Italy’s “notable advancements” in combating illegal immigration.

Keir Starmer’s Visit to Italy

Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, visited Rome on Monday, September 16th, and praised Italy for its remarkable progress in combating illegal immigration networks. He commended the pragmatic approach of his government towards illegal immigration, a topic that sparked violent far-right riots in the UK in July and August.

Discussion on Immigration Policies

Starmer acknowledged Italy’s substantial achievements in working with countries along migration routes to address root causes and dismantle networks, resulting in a 60% decrease in illegal sea arrivals to Italy since 2022. The Prime Minister rejected the previous government’s plan to deport migrants to Rwanda and expressed interest in Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni’s approach, which includes setting up migrant centers in Albania.

Border Security Measures

Shortly before Starmer’s meeting with Meloni, London announced the establishment of an elite command tasked with securing the country’s borders, a key campaign pledge of the Prime Minister. The UK has faced significant far-right riots targeting mosques and migrant shelters, as crossings and tragedies in the English Channel continue.

Reactions and Agreements

Starmer’s visit to Italy stirred criticism, with some within his party questioning his engagement with a perceived neofascist government. In contrast, Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, welcomed the British Prime Minister’s interest in the Italian model. The agreement between Rome and Tirana outlines the creation of migrant registration and accommodation centers in Albania, funded and managed by Italy.

Implementation and Impact

These centers, situated in Shëngjin, Albania, will process asylum claims and provide temporary housing for up to three thousand migrants who arrived in Italy by sea. Those whose asylum requests are denied will be repatriated, while approved applicants will be admitted to Italy. This arrangement differs significantly from the previous proposal to send applicants to Rwanda, where they would not have access to asylum in the UK.