The meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni in Rome focuses on the shared goal of reducing irregular migration to Europe and improving relations after Brexit. Despite their differences in political ideology, they hope to work together to address the issue of migrants attempting to reach their shores by boat. This visit comes after a tragic incident where at least eight migrants died off the French coast over the weekend. Support for Ukraine is also on the agenda as part of Starmer’s efforts to reset relations with European neighbors.
Migration has become a prominent issue in the UK, with over 22,000 migrants making the dangerous crossing from France so far this year. The UK and Italy aim to learn from each other’s approaches to tough enforcement and international cooperation to address this challenge. Italy, under Meloni’s leadership, has implemented strict measures to deter would-be refugees from attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing and has seen a significant reduction in the number of migrants arriving by boat this year. Starmer seeks to implement similar strategies to protect his country’s shores and bring order to the asylum system.
Starmer’s decision to scrap the previous government’s plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda marks a departure from the controversial approach taken by the Conservatives. Instead, he is exploring agreements like the one Italy has with Albania, where asylum-seekers are temporarily taken to another country while their claims are processed. The Rome trip is part of Starmer’s broader efforts to restore ties with EU neighbors that were strained by Brexit. While the UK has ruled out rejoining the EU, it seeks a closer relationship on security and other pertinent issues.
The meeting between Starmer and Meloni also includes discussions on supporting Ukraine, given the country’s plea for assistance using Western-supplied missiles to target Russian sites. Meloni, despite her far-right background, is a strong supporter of Ukraine, along with other European politicians. The US, where Starmer recently visited, has so far maintained its policy of allowing Kyiv to use American-provided weapons only in a limited area near the Russian border. However, as tensions escalate, the situation remains delicate, with possible implications for NATO countries.
Starmer’s visit to Rome includes a tour of Italy’s national immigration crime coordination center and meetings with law enforcement officials. By partnering with Italian authorities and newly appointed UK Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt, the UK seeks to tackle people-smuggling networks and enhance border security measures. Starmer recognizes the importance of learning from Italy’s tough enforcement and international agreements, despite criticism from refugee groups and concerns about strict asylum rules in Europe.
The growing migration crisis in Europe has prompted leaders like Starmer and Meloni to collaborate on solutions that prioritize border security and orderly asylum procedures. By working together, they hope to deter illegal migration and protect vulnerable individuals while maintaining strong relations between their countries. The focus on Ukraine underscores the broader geopolitical challenges facing Europe and the need for unity and cooperation in addressing complex security threats in the region.
