UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni in Rome to discuss migration issues, particularly the challenge of migrant boat crossings.
With migration becoming a central political topic in the UK, Starmer hopes to learn from Italy’s policies, which have led to a significant decrease in migrant arrivals by sea.
The meeting will focus on how Italy has managed to cut down on the number of people attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing and whether the UK can apply similar strategies to address its own migration crisis.
Learning from Italy's Migration Approach
Keir Starmer has expressed interest in Italy’s tough migration policies, which include international deals with African countries and a crackdown on smugglers. Italy has seen a dramatic 60% decrease in migrant arrivals by boat in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023, and Starmer is eager to understand how these policies have been so effective.
Speaking ahead of his meeting with Giorgia Meloni, Starmer said, "I want to learn how Italy has reduced migrant boat crossings and how we can apply these methods in the UK."
Italy's strategy has involved striking financial deals with countries such as Tunisia and Libya, aimed at curbing departures by sea. The EU paid Tunisia €105 million in 2023 to bolster border security, while Italy contributed €100 million to help develop local industries and support educational initiatives.
Italy also introduced a controversial agreement with Albania, where migrants rescued at sea are processed in Albanian reception centers. The plan, which has drawn interest from Keir Starmer, involves transferring adult male migrants to these centers while their asylum claims are processed.
"Prevention and stopping people from traveling in the first place is one of the best ways to deal with this particular issue," Starmer explained, highlighting his focus on upstream solutions.
Keir Starmer’s Interest Despite Criticism
While Italy’s measures have resulted in fewer migrant boat crossings, the country has faced criticism from human rights organizations. Groups such as Human Rights Watch have condemned Italy and the EU for outsourcing migration control to countries with questionable human rights records, including Tunisia and Libya.
Reports have emerged of severe human rights abuses in these countries, with migrants being subjected to violence, torture, and exploitation.
Nonetheless, Keir Starmer remains interested in exploring Italy's approach to migration. During his meeting with Giorgia Meloni, he is expected to delve into how Italy balances these tough enforcement measures with international cooperation.
The UK, which is dealing with an increase in migrants crossing the English Channel from France, is under pressure to find solutions. More than 22,000 migrants have made the dangerous crossing to the UK in 2024 alone, with several deaths reported along the way.
At a joint press conference, Starmer praised Italy's “remarkable progress” in tackling the migration crisis. “Italy has cracked down on smuggling gangs and worked with countries along migration routes as equals,” he noted.
However, he was cautious about immediately adopting Italy's approach, particularly regarding the Albania deal, stating, “We don’t know the outcome of it.”
Giorgia Meloni shared that Starmer had shown a keen interest in Italy's migrant boat crossing solutions, especially the Albania model, which is set to begin operations soon. “The eyes of the world will be on us,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of getting the centers ready before launching the program.
Final Note
As Keir Starmer seeks to address the UK’s ongoing migrant crisis, his discussions with Giorgia Meloni could offer insights into new approaches for managing migration.
While Italy’s tough policies have shown results, they have also sparked controversy, leaving Starmer to weigh the potential benefits and ethical challenges before deciding on a path forward for the UK.