Invoking British pragmatism, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Italy to learn about the country’s stringent migration policies. Meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the picturesque Villa Doria Pamphili, the purpose was clear: to tackle the pressing issue of irregular migrants crossing the Mediterranean. On this visit, Starmer aimed to explore Italy's strategies and possibly adapt them for the UK, as the two nations grapple with the complex challenge of managing migration effectively.
Meloni, representing the hard-right faction, has implemented tough migration measures which have reportedly resulted in significant reductions of illegal boat crossings, by as much as 60% over the past year. This record is compelling for the UK, which has faced increasing numbers of asylum seekers arriving by boat from France. Starmer, who earlier promised to bring back pragmatic solutions to Britain’s migration issues, noted this trend with both admiration and curiosity.
At their joint press conference, Starmer commended Meloni's government for its “remarkable progress” concerning migration. The conversation leaned heavily on the recent agreements Italy has struck with neighboring countries like Tunisia and Albania, which are strategically aimed at stifling the flow of migrants at the source. The key component of Italy’s approach involves financial agreements with these nations to boost local economies and curb the appeal of undertaking perilous journeys across the Mediterranean.
During the talks, Meloni explained the essence of Italy’s deal with Albania. This scheme proposes to process asylum applications in Albania rather than on Italian soil. Under this arrangement, migrants who reach Italy would be sent to Albania to have their claims assessed. Successful applicants could then return to Italy, but those who don't meet the criteria would be repatriated to their home countries. Starmer showed interest, asserting the UK should explore similar frameworks.
Although intrigued by Italy’s methods, Starmer had to tread carefully due to the political backlash awaiting any perceived shift toward Meloni’s hardline policies. The UK Prime Minister dismissed the Rwanda scheme, initiated by the previous Conservative administration, as unserious and labeled it as mere “gimmickry.” He expressed skepticism about extensions of such tactics, reflecting on the differing contexts of the two countries.
Despite his caution, he recognized the merit of Italy’s upstream efforts, pointing out the importance of preventing migration before it begins. This sentiment was echoed by Meloni, who emphasized the necessity for collaborative international efforts to dismantle human trafficking syndicates effectively.
Critically, the backdrop of the visit was the UK’s pledge of £4 million to bolster Italy's initiatives against irregular migration. This is part of what’s known as the “Rome Process,” which aims to address root causes of migration, as both leaders highlighted the inevitability of cooperation against such transnational crises.
Discussions surrounding Meloni's immigration policies are not without controversy. Human rights organizations have condemned her administration’s stance, arguing it jeopardizes the safety and rights of those seeking asylum. Meloni dismissed such claims, questioning their validity during her press meeting and asserting the humanitarian oversight of the agreements, particularly concerning rights protections under international law.
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced the UK’s approach, clarifying to the media how the Italian model differs from the previously scrapped Rwanda plan. She stressed the importance of processing being monitored by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for compliance with humanitarian standards.
The intertwining of British and Italian migration policies is complicated by the political environment within the UK. Starmer faces pressures from various factions within his party and external organizations who caution against emulating the approaches of what they term “neo-fascist” regimes. Critics have raised alarms about distancing the UK from its humanitarian obligations. Yet, Starmer maintains the argument for strategic partnerships where mutual benefits and shared challenges are at the forefront.
Among the significant outcomes of this meeting was not just immigration policy but also the strengthening of economic ties. Italy is set to make nearly £500 million worth of investments across the UK, including major contributions from defence and steel industries, showcasing the multifaceted discussions taking place between the two governments.
Discerning whether the UK will fully align with these controversial measures presents additional layers of complexity for Starmer. The Prime Minister must balance the quest for effective migration control with the ethical responsibilities and humanitarian standards expected from such policies. This balancing act will undoubtedly define his administration's legacy as he seeks practical solutions against public pressure on immigration issues.
Starmer's diplomatic overtures to Meloni's administration underline his administration's responsiveness to existing migration trends, as well as the urgency within his government to recalibrate how the UK addresses these challenges. Given the shared history and relations with Italy as part of Europe, the solutions gleaned from their discussions could resonate beyond mere policy adaptations; they might reshape the narrative surrounding immigration management within the Commons.
While the discussions are just the beginning, they signal substantial shifts as the UK approaches its immigration framework, maximising cooperation and realism over ideologically-driven narratives.
