Illegal immigration is increasingly a problem that transcends ideology. This was demonstrated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent visit to city of rome meet his counterpart in Italy, Giorgia MeloniThe same, which several of its partners have described as “extreme”, notably because of its border policy.
Since arriving yesterday morning, Starmer has expressed interest in finding out for himself how the Italian government has achieved such results in this area. According to official data, Last year alone, Italy reduced irregular immigration by 60%The tour also takes place amid an unprecedented crisis in the UK which has seen serious acts of violence at its epicentre.
As Meloni was laying out his strategy, Britain has had to deal with the entry of more than 21,000 undocumented immigrants this year alone, a figure that raises alarm bells, still below the record of 45,755 reached in 2022.
“It seems that they did a job at the origin, with the countries where people come from” (…) I have always thought that preventing and stopping these people from traveling from their countries of origin is the best way to deal with this problem. matters” With these words, the prime minister was referring to Meloni’s strategy to encourage economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africathus fighting against the causes which push the emigrant to leave.
With his trip, Starmer immediately distinguished himself from his predecessor, Rishi Sunakand goes even further in his approach to Meloni, speaking of a “new era”by making a wink to unity. He also noted that there would be no more “tricks” like the “Plan Rwanda”a mechanism used by Sunak to deport immigrants to the African country.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni.
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Always in the company of Martin HewittFormer police chief and top authority of the border security command, visited the National Immigration Coordination Center. Both were able to deepen the strategy aimed at strengthening security and international cooperation. It is the latter which will give rise to the creation of three centers of Shelter for over 1,000 refugees in Albania.
The harmony between the two was remarkably positive. The laughter in which they appeared in most of the photos was followed by words of mutual openness. While Starmer said he shared “the intention to put an end to this vile enterprise that pushes people across borders,” Meloni assured his agreement that “we should not be afraid to explore new solutions.”
Labour Party distances itself from tour
The reactions to the visit were not long in coming. Amnesty International denounced that what Meloni is doing with regard to Albania results in people being automatically detained and unable to leave the centres until the 18 monthsThe same NGO also warned that the Prime Minister should not follow the methods of the “ultra-right” to which the Italian Prime Minister belongs.
There has also been a movement on the part of British politics. According to various MPs in the Labor Partyits leader “would seek to learn lessons from a neo-fascist government.” Concerns have arisen, especially after David Lammy, Minister of Foreign Affairssaid they were analyzing “the processing of asylum applications through a third country.”
In Germany, the police carry out random checks at the borders.
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That a strategy like the one maintained with Albania is being reproduced in the United Kingdom suggests that the shift of the European left is deeper than expected. Especially if we add to what has been said the operation that began yesterday afternoon Germany with its borders. Dozens of agents were observed carrying out random checks, an initiative previously promoted and implemented by their Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Meloni’s other strategies against 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 supposed to take place in August, it has been postponed and November will probably be the last month.
But before that, Meloni had already launched his offensive. He did so in January, when Italy-Africa Summit presented the “Mattei Plan”. A tactic that aims to eliminate at the root the causes that push Africans to emigrate from their territories and head towards the Old Continent in search of better opportunities.
Each of the growth stimulation measures is done through energy measures and in permanent collaboration with their governments. He does this, while trying to make Italy a country key link in green gas and nitrogen between Africa and the European Union (EU).
Gaza and Ukraine, the same point of view
The “new era” Starmer was referring to does not stop at illegal immigration and bilateral meetings to counter it. It is also evident in the positions on the conflicts that occupy the map. The Prime Minister appreciated “Meloni’s leadership in supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia.”
The two authorities, in the middle of their conversation, agreed to maintain their support for Zelensky’s government “as long as necessary.” The support, beyond its symbolism, will carry with it a $50 billion loanAll this money will be financed by the freezing of Russian assets, a measure approved during the last G7 summit.
As for Gaza, the situation is once again common. For both, it is urgent that there be a “ceasefire”which is accompanied by access to humanitarian aid to the affected areas and to Immediate release of Israeli hostages.
