Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 11, 2024 11:15 pm GMT
As the United Kingdom grapples with the ongoing migrant crisis, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is preparing for a pivotal meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This meeting, set for Monday, aims to address irregular migration and learn from Italy, which has seen a notable decrease in migrant arrivals this year.
Starmer’s Interest in Italy’s Migration Strategy
In recent remarks, Sir Keir Starmer expressed interest in understanding Italy’s approach to processing asylum claims, particularly a plan that involves sending rescued migrants to Albania. This strategy comes at a time when both countries are experiencing pressure related to migrant crossings. The meeting with Meloni serves as an opportunity for Starmer to explore mechanisms that could help the UK manage its own migration challenges more effectively.
Starmer, who leads the Labour government, comes from a different political background than Meloni, who leads a right-wing coalition. However, both leaders recognize the significance of developing a solid working relationship in order to address shared challenges related to migration.
“Let’s see. It’s in early days, I’m interested in how that works,” Starmer remarked about Italy’s maritime policy and its implementation.
Current Situation on Migration
Italy has recently reported a significant drop in migrant arrivals. The European Union’s border force, Frontex, noted a 64% decline in the number of people making the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean from North Africa this year. As of now, just over 43,000 migrants have arrived in Italy, sharply down from nearly 158,000 in the previous year. This reduction is attributed in large part to Italy’s financial agreements with North African nations such as Tunisia and Libya.
Key components of this collaborative approach include:
- Financial assistance to strengthen border security: Italy has invested heavily in Tunisia, providing €100 million to support economic development while the EU has contributed €105 million for border security enhancements.
- Direct partnerships: Italy has trained and equipped the Libyan coastguard and entered a significant gas deal with Libya.
- Creating processing centres: Plans to open reception centres in Albania aim to hold migrants while processing their asylum applications.
However, these agreements have not been without controversy. Human Rights Watch has criticized Italy and the EU for alleged complicity in abuses against migrants in Libya, a concern that looms large as the UK considers similar strategies.
Domestic Reactions to Starmer’s Diplomacy
Starmer’s interest in Italy’s immigration policies has drawn scrutiny from various sectors within the UK, including Labour backbenchers and human rights organizations. Critics argue that seeking to model the UK’s migration strategy on Meloni’s regime, which they characterize as “neo-fascist,” is concerning.
- Kim Johnson, a Labour MP, voiced her worries about collaborating with a government accused of inhumane treatment and “mismanagement of migration.”
- Organizations like Amnesty International and the Refugee Council have urged Starmer to refrain from pursuing “gimmicks” that could further jeopardize human rights.
On the other hand, some in Starmer’s government view the reduction in migrant numbers as an opportunity. Foreign Secretary David Lammy indicated a willingness to discuss “comprehensive schemes” that have proven effective in Italy, particularly in relation to Albania.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the reductions in Italian migrant numbers, challenges remain. UK officials highlight the complexities of implementing similar measures. According to a Home Office source, the UK government is not currently pursuing plans to send migrants to third countries like Albania. While Italy aims to process asylum seekers in these centres, the approach is still under development and has not yet begun, raising questions about its efficacy.
Additionally, Starmer has emphasized a resolve to combat human trafficking and the small boat crisis in the English Channel, recognizing that a significant number of migrants still attempt to reach the UK through France.
Recent tragedies in the Channel have underscored the perils of irregular migration. Just last week, eight individuals lost their lives after a boat capsized, highlighting the need for urgent and humane solutions to the crisis.
The Future of UK-Italy Migration Cooperation
As Starmer prepares for his talks in Rome, he faces the difficult task of navigating the complexities of international migration while addressing domestic concerns and human rights implications.
- Effective strategies may include collaboration on enhanced border security.
- Enhanced funding for migrant support and processing resources will be necessary to address the ongoing crises adequately.
Starmer’s commitment to addressing these challenges reflects an awareness of the importance of collective European efforts in managing migration in a responsible manner. The meeting with Meloni could provide crucial insights for the UK as it seeks to create a more sustainable approach to its own migration issues amidst a rapidly evolving global situation.
As Starmer’s government looks for different ways to help, it’s really important that any plans they make treat migrants with respect and protect their rights. These people are looking for safety, and their dignity should always come first.
