UK and Italy Strengthen Cooperation on Curbing Illegal Migration

[Social Media]

 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has commended Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her success in tackling illegal migration. During a visit to Italy, Starmer noted that Italy has seen a 60% drop in the number of illegal migrants arriving by sea, attributing this to Meloni’s efforts to target the criminal gangs profiting from illegal immigration. He emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation and stated that the UK and Italy would work closely together on this issue, sharing data and intelligence. Starmer also expressed interest in Italy's offshore asylum processing plan, which involves opening two centres in Albania to handle asylum claims.

 

In a joint press conference with Meloni in Rome, Starmer praised Italy’s approach. "You've made remarkable progress working with countries along migration routes as equals to address the drivers of migration at the source and to tackle the gangs," he said. He highlighted that irregular arrivals to Italy by sea have significantly reduced since 2022 and stressed his commitment to addressing illegal migration in the UK. Starmer visited Italy's national immigration coordination centre with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, where the discussion centred on the tragic consequences of illegal migration, including the recent shipwreck in the Channel that claimed eight lives, bringing the total death toll this year to 46.

 

Starmer also addressed his rejection of the previous UK government's controversial plan to send undocumented migrants to Rwanda while their asylum claims were processed. Drawing from his background as a chief prosecutor, he underlined the need for international collaboration to fight smuggling gangs. "I've never accepted... that we can't do the same with smuggling gangs. And now of course Italy has shown that we can," he said.

 

During the visit, Starmer expressed his admiration for Italy’s agreement with Albania, which involves the establishment of migrant centres where undocumented migrants will be housed while their asylum claims are processed. Starmer noted that the centres are not yet operational but highlighted the potential of such a plan. He added that the reduction in migrant arrivals to Italy could be credited to Italy's deals with Tunisia and Libya, where financial assistance is exchanged for cooperation in stopping migrant departures. Starmer emphasized that preventing people from leaving their countries in the first place is more effective than dealing with those who have already arrived.

 

Starmer's visit did not come without criticism. Labour MP Kim Johnson expressed concern, telling The Guardian that it was "disturbing that Starmer is seeking to learn lessons from a neo-fascist government, particularly after the anti-refugee riots and far-right racist terrorism that swept Britain this summer." Nevertheless, Starmer maintained his pragmatic stance, stating, "We are pragmatists first and foremost. When we see a challenge, we discuss with our friends and allies the different approaches that are being taken."

 

Italy’s hard-right government has recently renewed a deal with Libya, initially signed in 2017, which provides the Libyan coastguard with training and funding to help deter migrants from leaving or to return those caught at sea. As a result of these measures, Italy’s interior ministry reported a significant drop in sea arrivals. Between January 1 and September 13, 44,675 people arrived in Italy, compared to 125,806 during the same period the previous year. While the EU as a whole has seen a 39% decrease in illegal migrant crossings, experts note that many migrants are simply changing their routes, with Channel crossings up 13% this year, according to the EU’s border agency, Frontex.

 

Credit: France 24. 2024-09-18

 

 

 

[jippytum]

After we paid them millions it's long overdue that the French wimps on border patrol got their act together. 

[RichardColeman]

If tis involves chucking in all the migrating followers of the relgion of death into the colleseum and having them fight for one visa, I'm all for it. 

[Purdey]

On 9/18/2024 at 3:37 AM, Social Media said:

Starmer expressed his admiration for Italy’s agreement with Albania

Against centres in Rwanda but OK with Albania.

They are all economic migrants. Except in war zones, improving trade and investment might help.

[JonnyF]

Free gear Keir could learn a lot from Meloni.

 

He won't though. It's all bluster. 

 

Lovely suit and glasses though. Wonder where he got them? Looks pricey.