Inspired by Italy’s Approach Labour Plans to Combat Illegal Migration

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The Labour government is preparing to implement a strategy inspired by Italy’s approach to managing illegal migration, with plans to form agreements with countries like Kurdistan, Vietnam, and Turkey. Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, is leading the initiative, aiming to replicate the Italian model of providing financial aid to foreign governments in exchange for their efforts to prevent migrants from embarking on dangerous journeys to the UK. The deals are expected to be finalized by the year’s end.

 

These plans follow Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose government has significantly reduced the number of migrants arriving by boat. Italy achieved a 62% drop in arrivals during the first seven months of 2024, supported by financial agreements with countries like Tunisia and Libya. These agreements include investments in border security and coastguard training, as well as broader incentives like support for local businesses, education, and renewable energy projects.

 

The UK’s proposed deals will include similar elements, tailored to specific countries. Kurdistan, identified as a key origin point for people-smuggling networks, is a priority. Earlier this year, a notorious smuggler operating from the Kurdistani city of Sulaymaniyah was arrested, highlighting the region’s central role in the illicit trade. Informal discussions between the UK and Kurdistan’s security services have already taken place to explore measures to disrupt these networks.

 

Vietnam is another focal point, as its nationals accounted for 10% of small boat arrivals in the year leading up to June. Labour is revisiting an earlier Tory-led agreement involving targeted social media campaigns to deter potential migrants. The campaign includes testimonials from individuals deceived by smugglers, aiming to counter misleading claims about life in the UK.

 

While Labour's overarching goal is to combat people-smuggling and reduce Channel crossings, it faces criticism from humanitarian groups concerned about the ethical implications of these deals. For instance, similar agreements with Tunisia and Libya have been condemned for pushing migrants into detention centers where reports of abuse and torture are common.

 

Despite these challenges, the urgency for action remains high. Small boat crossings have surged, with 32,900 individuals arriving in the UK by November 11, surpassing the 2023 total of 29,437. Labour’s plans also involve strengthening the UK’s capability to deport migrants without legal grounds to stay. More than 25 return flights have been conducted since July, sending individuals back to countries like Albania, Poland, Vietnam, and even Timor-Leste.

 

A key component of Labour’s strategy involves collaboration with local law enforcement in partner countries. This includes providing training to dismantle smuggling networks and bolster border security. Recent successes include the arrest of a Turkish national accused of supplying boats and engines to smugglers in northern France. The operation, conducted by the UK’s National Crime Agency in cooperation with Dutch and Belgian authorities, underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing illegal migration.

 

Labour leaders emphasize the need for “pragmatic” solutions, with Starmer highlighting the benefits of addressing migration at its source rather than reacting to arrivals. However, these plans are not without controversy. Critics question whether financial incentives to foreign governments can truly deter migration without exacerbating human rights concerns. As Cooper’s team works to finalize these deals, the balance between reducing illegal migration and maintaining ethical standards remains a contentious issue.

 

Based on a report by The Times & Sunday Times 2024-11-19