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Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the right-wing Italian government’s migration plan for “remarkable progress”.
Sir Keir has met with his Italian counterpart in Rome today to discuss plans to tackle illegal migration. They are currently holding a joint press conference.
The populist Italian government, led by Giorgia Meloni, has seen a 60 per cent drop in illegal migration in the past year and recently signed a controversial deal with Albania.
Sir Keir said he is “very interested” in Italy’s policies leading to “dramatic reductions” in irregular migration.
“You’ve made remarkable progress working with countries across migration routes as equals, to address the drivers of migration at source and tackle gangs,” Sir Keir told the press conference.
“And as a result irregular arrivals to Italy by sea are down 60 per cent since 2022, so I’m pleased that we’re deepening our cooperation here led on the UK side here by our new UK Border Security Commander who has been here with me this morning.”
Sir Keir has signalled he is open to pursuing an arrangement similar to Italy’s migration deal with Albania, whereby asylum seekers will be held in the Balkan state while their claims are processed.
Key Points
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Starmer says 3,000 people have been returned to their country of origin under Labour government
The Prime Minister claimed his Government has overseen “the single biggest flight that has ever taken off returning people to their country of origin”.
Sir Keir Starmer told reporters in Rome: “Of course, it’s a problem when we’ve got people arriving into the UK who are arriving unlawfully across the channel or any other route, and, of course, every government has the responsibility of making sure our borders are secure.
“Rather than a gimmick, which, as you know, cost £700 million to persuade four volunteers to go to Rwanda, we have gone down the road of pragmatism.
“Already we have returned over 3,000 people by flights. So, the flights actually did get off under this Government, not to Rwanda, but back to countries of origin, carrying with them 3,000 people who shouldn’t be here, including the single biggest flight that has ever taken off, returning people to their country of origin.
“That’s why we’re working so intently on the Border Security Command, which is intended to take down the gangs that are running the vile trade in the first place.”
Jabed Ahmed16 September 2024 14:59 1726493922Voices: Giorgia Meloni’s Albania migrant deal won’t work here
Giorgia Meloni’s Albania migrant deal won’t work here
Keir Starmer may have had his head turned by his right-wing Italian counterpart’s success in reducing ‘irregular’ crossings from north Africa with third-country processing – but there are good reasons why he is on a hiding to nothing
Jabed Ahmed16 September 2024 14:38 1726492804Pictured: Victoria Starmer’s designer wardrobe amid claims donor paid for £5,000 worth of her clothes
Government returns to ‘British pragmatism’ on migration, Starmer says
Sir Keir signalled he was more interested in Italy’s work preventing migrants from reaching the country than its Albania deal, as he claimed his Government had returned to “British pragmatism” on migration.
The Prime Minister said Italy’s reduction in unauthorised migrant numbers was “more likely attributable to the work that the prime minister (Giorgia Meloni) has done upstream”.
He added: “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.
“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, look at what works, and that is the approach we have taken today, and it has been a very productive day.”
Jabed Ahmed16 September 2024 14:14 1726492378Claims of human rights violations in Italy-Albania deal ‘groundless’, Meloni says
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said concerns about human rights violations in the Italy-Albania migrant deal were “completely groundless”.
Asked about the concerns at a press conference in Rome, she said: “I don’t know what human rights violations you’re referring to, to be totally frank.
“This accusation, I think it’s completely groundless.”
She added that migrants sent to Albania would be dealt with under Italian jurisdiction.
Jabed Ahmed16 September 2024 14:12 1726491941UK has shown great interest in Italy-Albania deal, Meloni says
Giorgia Meloni said the UK had shown “great interest” in the Italian government’s migration deal with Albania.
The Italian premier told a press conference in Rome that she and Sir Keir Starmer had signed a joint communique including “very tangible, important points, and is evidence of the deep relation between our two countries.”
She said they had discussed the Albanian deal, adding: “The UK Government has shown great interest in this agreement.”
Ms Meloni said they both want “to enhance this very good relationship between Italy and the UK” and “increase co-operation with the EU while of course respecting the post-Brexit rules”.
“I am very satisfied with this meeting today,” she added.
Starmer and Meloni discussed how they can work together to tackle global challenges
Sir Keir Starmer said he and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni have discussed how the two countries can work together to tackle global challenges.
At a joint press conference, the Prime Minister said: “We used our time today to discuss the global challenges before us and our determination to meet them together.
He said they would “stand shoulder to shoulder to support Ukraine for as long as it takes”.
“We will work together, as we discussed, to deliver the 50 billion euros in loans for Ukraine under your G7 presidency.”
He added: “We are united in our support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.”
Jabed Ahmed16 September 2024 14:05 1726491838Starmer praises Italy’s migrant policies
Sir Keir told the press conference: “We also discussed the challenge of irregular migration, this is a problem across Europe - for both of our countries in particular but across Europe.”
He added: “You’ve made remarkable progress working with countries across migration routes as equals, to address the drivers of migration at source and tackle gangs.
“And as a result irregular arrivals to Italy by sea are down 60 per cent since 2022, so I’m pleased that we’re deepening our cooperation here led on the UK side here by our new UK Border Security Commander who has been here with me this morning.”
Meloni announces migration declaration with Starmer
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said: “The UK and Italy represent two fundamental pillars of the transatlantic community and these two countries are to play a primary role in international scenarios.
“The further enhancement of our strategic cooperation can be decisive to address the various points on the international agenda to guarantee prosperity to our countries and it is along these lines that these adopted today a joint declaration.
“A declaration which is very important because it has tangible points, important points, and is evidence of our deep-rooted relations between our two countries.”
Jabed Ahmed16 September 2024 13:51 1726490477Live: Starmer and Meloni share plans for tackling illegal migration at news conference in Rome
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