Giorgia Meloni: Starmer Expressed Significant Interest in Italy’s Migration Agreement with Albania

Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 17-09-2024

The UK has pledged £4 million to support Italy’s efforts to curb irregular migration, as Keir Starmer reportedly showed strong interest in Italy’s migration deal with Albania, according to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

During a press conference in Rome, Starmer emphasized the critical importance of the UK-Italy relationship, though he highlighted that his primary focus was on Italy’s broader strategy to prevent migrants from reaching its shores, rather than solely on the Albania agreement, which is expected to be finalized soon.

Migration dominated the discussions between the two leaders during Starmer’s visit, with the pair seen sharing light moments in the gardens of Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome.

The financial commitment from the UK will be directed towards Italy’s “Rome process,” an initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of irregular migration. Meloni noted that no country can combat human trafficking alone and mentioned that the two nations were exploring more structured ways for their law enforcement to collaborate.

Commenting on the Albania deal, Meloni stated that the UK government had shown a keen interest in the agreement and stressed the desire of both nations to strengthen their already positive relationship. She also mentioned the need to enhance cooperation with the EU, while ensuring compliance with post-Brexit regulations.

Starmer, reflecting on the discussions, described learning from Italy as a step towards “British pragmatism.” He praised the progress Italy has made in reducing the number of illegal migrants, attributing it to Meloni’s upstream initiatives that tackle migration at its source.

“We are pragmatists above all else,” Starmer remarked. “When faced with a challenge, we engage with our allies and examine the various strategies being employed, focusing on what is effective. Today’s discussions have been highly productive.”

A Downing Street spokesperson commented on Starmer’s visit to Rome’s National Coordination Centre, where he was accompanied by Martin Hewitt, the UK’s new border security commander. The spokesperson confirmed that immediate steps would be taken to strengthen cross-border cooperation, learning from Italy’s success in cutting illegal migration by 60% over the past year through proactive measures.

However, No. 10 expressed concerns about reports of migrants being stranded in Tunisia while attempting to reach Italy. The spokesperson reiterated the UK’s commitment to international humanitarian law, emphasizing that all efforts to manage migration should be practical, cost-effective, and humane.

“It is essential to prevent people from embarking on dangerous journeys. We have witnessed far too many tragedies in the Mediterranean and the Channel,” they added.

Italy has faced allegations of human rights violations in connection with its agreement with Albania, accusations that Meloni dismissed as unfounded. “I’m not aware of any human rights violations,” she stated. “These claims are baseless.”

In addition to discussions on migration, Starmer announced significant Italian investments in the UK, including £435 million from Leonardo, a major aerospace and security firm, into its Yeovil operations. Marcegaglia, a steel producer, also plans to invest £50 million in Sheffield to build a new clean steel electric arc furnace, creating 50 new jobs.

Meanwhile, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed a £75 million funding package aimed at boosting border security and intensifying efforts against human trafficking. The funds will be used to introduce new technologies and enhance the capabilities of the UK Border Security Command.

Cooper underscored the need to dismantle criminal networks involved in smuggling, stating: “These criminal organizations are undermining our border security and endangering lives. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and improving intelligence capabilities, we will ensure that we are using every possible means to combat this dangerous trade.”

The funds originally allocated for the previous government’s Rwanda migration scheme will now be redirected to support these new initiatives.