Starmer Explores Albania Migration Model During Talks with Italian PM Meloni Amid New Security Chief Appointment

Starmer is set to investigate the Albania migration agreement during his meeting with the Italian Prime Minister, following his appointment of a new chief of border security. Under the agreement orchestrated by Giorgia Meloni, Albania will host asylum seekers while their applications are being reviewed for Italy.

By Darren McCaffrey, political reporter, in Rome

Monday, September 16, 2024, 12:

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Today, Sir Keir Starmer is in Rome to discuss strategies for addressing illegal migration with Giorgia Meloni, hoping to gain insights from the conservative Italian administration.

Italy has seen a significant decrease in unauthorized crossings over the Mediterranean, with numbers falling by 60% over the last year. Additionally, Italy has entered into a contentious agreement with Albania.

The government has officially named the previous NPCC chair, Martin Hewitt, as the head of the new Border Security Command, following his travels with Sir Keir.

Live Politics: Starmer Visits Rome as Speculation Grows Over Potential Albania Agreement

The urgency to halt the passage of small boats was underscored over the weekend when eight individuals lost their lives trying to reach England from France.

Before the visit, the prime minister declared, "We are done with tricks. Our administration is committed to confronting the groups that smuggle men, women, and children across borders."

"Martin Hewitt's specialized skills will usher in a groundbreaking phase of global enforcement aimed at breaking down these networks, safeguarding our borders, and restoring structure to the asylum system."

In an effort to manage the flow of migrants to Italy, the Italian prime minister finalized an agreement with Albania last year, whereby certain asylum-seekers will be relocated to the Balkan nation to have their asylum applications processed.

Albania will only process migrants from nations that Italy considers to be safe.

Analysts have pointed out similarities with the abandoned Rwanda agreement, but a crucial distinction exists: under that plan, even if migrants were granted refugee status, they would still have to stay in Rwanda.

Discover more: Inside Italy's 'Guantanamo': Exploring the migrant facilities in Albania

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Addressing the media in Rome, Sir Keir highlighted the "significant decreases" in irregular migration to Italy following the implementation of the scheme, noting, "I am keen to learn how this was achieved."

"It appears to be linked to the efforts being made upstream in the countries of origin. I have always held the opinion that prevention and discouraging individuals from setting out initially is among the most effective methods to address this issue.

"I'm quite eager to learn about the progress of the initial efforts, and I'm also examining various other plans. I anticipate my upcoming one-on-one meeting with the prime minister later today, and we are both already committed to collaboratively tackle this abhorrent business of trafficking individuals across borders."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper suggested in an interview with Sky News that the UK might consider a deal similar to one discussed, but she emphasized that it would not resemble the previous government's Rwanda initiative.

"She expressed curiosity about the progression of [the Albania scheme] during her conversation with Kay Burley, noting, 'We've always been open to exploring effective strategies.'"

The Rwanda initiative, operated by the Conservative party for over two years, incurred a cost of £700 million to dispatch just four volunteers to Rwanda. This does not represent a feasible program.

"Italy's agreement with Albania is quite unique. It essentially establishes a quick processing system for individuals coming from mostly safe nations, and it also includes oversight from the UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) to ensure that all protocols meet certain standards. We'll have to watch how it unfolds."

When pressed by Kay Burley about potential government actions, Ms. Cooper responded, "Currently, that is not the case. Therefore, as we have consistently maintained, we are open to exploring any effective measures.

"However, that is not the plan we are considering currently."

The contentious agreement has not been completely put into action yet. Additionally, Italy has secured financial agreements with Tunisia and Libya, which are the primary departure points for those heading to Europe.

Shadow policy minister Matt Vickers criticized the prime minister for abandoning what he saw as the preventative measure offered by the Rwanda strategy.

However, he suggested that although he doesn't believe the government will adopt a plan similar to Albania's, he indicated that the Conservative Party might be receptive to such an idea.

"He mentioned to Kay Burley that they would consider any specifics or proposals that were presented."

In practical terms, the observations made about [Sir Keir's] team included criticisms about the proposal to deport individuals to Albania, which his spokesperson for domestic affairs described to us as indefensible and incorrect.

"He is someone who opposed all our efforts to amend the legislation and expel individuals."

The Prime Minister's trip to Italy represents a broader strategy aimed at rejuvenating the UK's ties with several European nations, building on previous visits to Berlin, Paris, and Dublin.

Italy stands as a crucial ally to the UK, participating in NATO and the G7, in addition to being a significant figure within the EU. It ranks as the UK's ninth biggest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding £50 billion.

In addition to migration, discussions are expected to include defense collaboration and the situation in Ukraine.

Migration issues are set to take center stage, as Mr. Hewitt's role at the helm of the UK's newly established Border Security Command is seen as a crucial challenge for the administration.

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Hewitt previously served as the chairperson of the National Police Chiefs' Council, a role that involved strategic collaboration with police forces across the UK.

He expressed, "It's both an honor and thrilling to head up this innovative Command. I'm fully aware of the challenges we'll encounter, yet I'm resolved to tackle them directly."

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