Official announcements from the UK or Italian government, or credible news sources

UK PM Keir Starmer Looks to Italy's Albania Migration Deal to Tackle Small Boat Crisis, Reduce Arrivals by 60%

Sep 16, 2024, 07:08 AM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is exploring Italy's migration deal with Albania as a potential model for addressing the UK's small boat crisis. Starmer is interested in Italy's approach, which involves sending migrants to Albania for asylum processing, a scheme developed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This move comes as Starmer prepares for his first official visit to Rome, where he will meet Meloni to discuss migration strategies. The Italian scheme has reportedly reduced irregular migration by 60% through agreements with North African countries and targeting smuggling gangs. Starmer's interest in the Italian model follows his rejection of the Conservative Party's Rwanda migrant scheme. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has also highlighted the importance of targeting trafficking gangs and prevention work with North African countries. Starmer has appointed a new Border Security Commander to help address the small boats crisis. This visit follows a Channel migrant shipwreck that claimed 8 lives, emphasizing the need for effective migration solutions. Italy has seen dramatic reductions in migrant arrivals.