Keir Starmer is warned only actions and not words will stop boats crossing the Channel as PM hails Italys plan to send illegal migrants to Albania
Keir Starmer yesterday signalled he is ready to pay foreign countries millions of pounds to help tackle the migrant crisis as he hailed Italys success in curbing illegal crossings.
Keir Starmer yesterday signalled he is ready to pay foreign countries millions of pounds to help tackle the migrant crisis as he hailed Italys success in curbing illegal crossings.
The Prime Minister, who scrapped the last governments Rwanda scheme, said he was now willing to embrace British pragmatism, including looking at an Italian scheme which involves sending migrants to Albania.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in Rome, Sir Keir said was eager to learn from Italys dramatic success in cutting illegal arrivals across the Mediterranean by 62 per cent this year.
Ms Meloni said Sir Keir had shown great interest in Italys new plan to send thousands of migrants to Albania to have their asylum claims processed.
She told reporters at 17th-century Villa Doria Pamphili that both leaders believed new, brave options were needed to tackle the massive problem of illegal migration.
Sir Keir Starmer shaking hands with his Italian counterpart Georgia Meloni during a visit to Rome on Monday
The Prime Minister said he was willing to embrace British pragmatism, including looking at an Italian scheme which involves sending migrants to Albania, to tackle the small boats crisis. Migrants arriving at the Port of Dover on Monday
The scheme is different to the Tory governments Rwanda scheme as those whose claims are approved will have the right to settle in Italy.
But the Italian PM said she believed sending people abroad for processing would create the element of deterrence to those considering making the crossing.
She said the world is watching the success of the scheme, which is due to start in the coming weeks.
Ms Meloni confirmed the two leaders had discussed the Albanian deal, adding: The UK Government has shown great interest in this agreement.
Sir Keir suggested he was also interested in Italys deals with countries like Tunisia and Libya, which have been paid millions of pounds to help prevent migrants leaving their shores for Italy.
Government sources said ministers were interested in exploring similar arrangements with countries like Vietnam, Turkey, Iraq and other countries from which thousands of migrants set off in search of a new life in the UK.
Sir Keir said he was particularly interested in Ms Melonis work to tackle upstream issues in migrants countries of origin.
He added: That is why I am interested in the upstream work, which on the face of it, appears to have had quite a profound effect on numbers.
I have always made the argument that preventing people leaving their country in the first place is far better than trying to deal with those that have arrived in any of our countries.
I was very interested in that. In a sense, today was a return - if you like - to British pragmatism.
The Italian government has faced criticism from humanitarian groups about its deals with Albania and its wider approach to migration, including claims it has frustrated groups trying to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean.
But Ms Meloni told reporters in Rome: I dont know what human rights violations youre referring to, to be totally frank. This accusation, I think its completely groundless.
Sir Keir defended his decision to forge closer relations with Ms Meloni, who some in Labour have branded far right, saying that Italy was an important ally.
I dont think anybody will think its sensible for us not to continue with that strong bilateral approach on those really important global issues which is what we discussed today, he said. Italys an ally and we work with our allies.
Sir Keir was accompanied by former police chief Martin Hewitt, who was confirmed yesterday as the UKs new Border Security Commander. The pair toured a centre in Rome dedicated to tackling illegal migration.
Last night ministers announced an extra £75 million funding for the new Border Security Command to help pay for extra equipment and staff.
Tory shadow home secretary James Cleverly said: All we heard today from Starmer was more words in place of action. Meetings, press conferences, and roundtables wont stop the people smugglers.
Sir Keir defended his decision to meet Meloni, saying that Italy was a an important ally
Tory leadership candidate James Cleverly said that Sir Keir had produced more words in place of action
They have finally appointed a border commander but the job itself remains a mystery.
The UK will give some £4 million to an initiative called the Rome Process, an Italian government scheme to tackle the root causes of irregular migration, following the meeting of the two leaders.
In an effort to renew trade ties, Italian companies are meanwhile set to make investments into the UK worth almost £500 million.
Defence, aerospace and security company Leonardo will invest £435 million in 2024 to be spent at their Yeovil site and in technology development and research programmes across the UK, according to Downing Street, supporting 8,000 jobs.
Steel manufacturer Marcegaglia will invest £50 million in Sheffield to build a new clean steel electric arc furnace, creating 50 new jobs.
