Illegal immigration is increasingly a problem that transcends ideologies. This is demonstrated by the recent visit of Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the city of rome to meet with his counterpart in Italy, Giorgia Meloni. The same one, which several of its partners have described as ‘extreme’, among other things, for its border policies.
Since arriving yesterday morning, Starmer said he was interested in learning first-hand how the Italian government has achieved such successful figures in this area. According to official data, In the last year alone, Italy has reduced illegal immigration by 60%.The tour also takes place in the midst of an unprecedented crisis in the United Kingdom, which has had serious acts of violence at its epicentre.
While Meloni was showing off his strategy, Britain had to deal with the entry of more than 21,000 undocumented immigrants so far this year. The figure is raising alarm bells, still lower than the record of 45,755 achieved in 2022.
“It seems that they have done some work at the source, with the countries where the people come from” (…) I have always thought that prevention and avoiding these people from travelling from their countries of origin is the best way to deal with this issue.” With these words, the Prime Minister was referring to Meloni’s strategy of encouraging economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africathus combating the causes that lead migrants to leave.
With his trip, Starmer immediately distanced himself from his predecessor, Rishi Sunakand went even further in his approaches to Meloni, speaking of a “new era”making a nod to unity. He also noted that there will be no more “tricks” like the ‘Plan Rwanda’the mechanism used by Sunak to deport immigrants to the African country.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, with his counterpart in Italy, Giorgia Meloni.
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Always in the company of Martin Hewittformer police chief and highest authority of the Border Security Command, visited the National Immigration Coordination Center. There, both were able to delve into the strategy of strengthening security and international cooperation. The latter is what will lead to the creation of three centers of Shelter for more than 1,000 refugees in Albania.
The rapport between the two was clearly positive. The laughter in which they appeared in most of the photos was followed by words of mutual openness. While Starmer said they shared “the intention to end this vile business that pushes people across borders”, Meloni assured his agreement that “we must not be afraid to explore new solutions”.
The Labour Party distances itself from the tour
Reactions to the visit were not long in coming. Amnesty International He denounced that what Meloni does, with respect to Albania, causes people to be automatically detained and not be able to leave the centers until the time has elapsed 18 monthsThe same NGO also warned that the prime minister should not follow the methods of the ‘far right’ to which the Italian prime minister is said to belong.
There was also movement from British politics. According to various MPs from the Labor Partyits leader would be “seeking to receive lessons from a neo-fascist government.” The concerns started, in particular, after David Lammy, Foreign Secretarysaid that they were analyzing “the processing of asylum applications through a third country.”
Police in Germany carry out random border checks.
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If a strategy like the one used with Albania is replicated in the United Kingdom, it would suggest that the European left turn is more far-reaching than expected. Especially if we add to what has been said the operation that started yesterday afternoon Germany with its borders. Dozens of agents were seen carrying out random checks, an initiative previously promoted and implemented by its Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Meloni’s other strategies before Albania
It was in February that the Italian Senate confirmed the agreement with Albania. From there, thousands of migrants are rescued on the Italian coast and sent directly to the Balkan country. Although the opening of the facilities was to take place in August, this has now been postponed and November will probably be the final month.
Before that, however, Meloni had already launched his offensive. He did so in January when in the Italy-Africa summit presented the ‘Mattei Plan’. A tactic that seeks to eliminate the root causes that lead Africans to emigrate from their territories and go to the Old Continent in search of better opportunities.
Each of the growth-stimulating measures is done through energy measures and in permanent collaboration with its governments. It does so while trying to turn Italy into a Key link between green gas and nitrogen between Africa and the European Union (EU).
Gaza and Ukraine, one view
The “new era” that Starmer alluded to is not limited to illegal immigration and bilateral meetings to counter it. It is also evident in the positions regarding the conflicts that are taking place on the map. The prime minister praised “Meloni’s leadership in supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia.”
Both authorities, in the midst of their conversation, agreed to maintain support for the Zelensky government “as long as necessary.” The support, beyond its symbolism, will carry with it a $50 billion loan. All of this money will be financed with frozen Russian assets, a measure that was approved in the most recent G7 summit.
As far as Gaza is concerned, the position is once again common. Both sides urgently need a solution. ‘cease-fire’which is accompanied by access to humanitarian aid to the affected areas and to the Immediate release of Israeli hostages.
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