British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has lauded Italy's efforts in reducing irregular migration, highlighting the cooperation between the two nations to address the increasing challenges of illegal immigration. Following his recent meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Starmer emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, joint strategies and collaboration in targeting the smuggling networks responsible for human trafficking.
A Unified Approach to Curb Migration
At a joint press conference in Rome, Starmer praised Meloni’s success in dramatically lowering migrant arrivals through measures implemented upstream to prevent dangerous sea crossings. He acknowledged Italy's approach of working directly with North African countries like Tunisia and Libya, citing financial support and assistance with patrol vessels as a key factor in reducing migration by nearly 60% compared to 2023. Italy's cooperation with Albania to establish offshore asylum processing centers is another strategy the UK is closely observing.
Starmer underscored how the collaboration with Italy reflects his administration's broader policy to address the root causes of migration. “We need to tackle this issue by stopping people from embarking on perilous journeys in the first place”, Starmer said. He also praised Italy's focus on breaking the smuggling networks, adding that this is one of the biggest factors in ensuring safety for migrants and protecting European borders.
Offshore Asylum Processing: A Controversial Solution
Starmer expressed his interest in Italy’s offshore asylum processing agreement with Albania, a scheme designed to manage asylum claims outside the European mainland. The UK is studying Italy’s model as a potential avenue for its own migration strategy, although Starmer stressed that the effectiveness of such centers remains to be fully assessed. The Albania plan, which could house up to 36,000 migrants annually, aims to process claims while providing humanitarian protection in a controlled and legal manner.
While some view offshore processing as a deterrent to human trafficking, the strategy has erupted criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that such deals could violate international law. Italy’s agreements with Libya and Tunisia, for example, have faced accusations of complicity in abuses against migrants, including reports of torture, sexual violence, and inhumane treatment.
Strengthening UK-EU Relations
Starmer’s visit to Rome marks a significant moment in the UK’s effort to restore stronger ties with European partners, especially after the strain caused by Brexit. As part of his post-election tour, Starmer has visited key EU nations like Germany, France, and Ireland, aiming to rebuild trust and cooperation. His meeting with Meloni signals the importance of joint efforts in handling migration challenges and both leaders agreed that enhanced border security and intelligence sharing are essential for long-term solutions.
As part of the broader discussion, Starmer announced over £500 million of investment in Britain by Italian companies, further cementing the cooperative relationship between the two nations. One of the highlights is the continued collaboration on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint venture involving Britain, Italy, and Japan. This initiative has strategic importance for the UK’s defense industry, particularly amid growing global security concerns.
Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis
Both Meloni and Starmer acknowledged the humanitarian toll of the ongoing migration crisis, particularly the recent tragedy where eight migrants died while attempting to cross the English Channel. The issue has become a pressing concern for both leaders, with Starmer promising to hold human traffickers accountable and intensify efforts to break up the criminal networks that exploit vulnerable migrants.
Meloni reaffirmed her commitment to addressing human trafficking and said that “all roads lead to Rome” when it comes to European migration policy. The Italian Prime Minister, who leads the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, has long advocated for stricter measures to reduce migration and bolster European security, aligning with Starmer’s goals to create a more sustainable and secure immigration framework.
Looking Ahead
As the UK and Italy work to develop a more coordinated approach to migration, their cooperation could serve as a blueprint for broader European efforts to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking, and asylum processing. By sharing intelligence and collaborating on enforcement, both countries aim to curb the dangerous journeys undertaken by thousands of migrants each year while addressing the deeper systemic issues that drive people to flee their countries.
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In the coming months, the UK will likely continue studying Italy’s policies, weighing the potential for offshore processing as part of its broader immigration strategy. With shared challenges ahead, the joint efforts of the UK and Italy signal a significant shift toward more coordinated European solutions to migration, security, and humanitarian concerns.
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