British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are set to meet in Rome to discuss strategies for tackling illegal immigration, following a tragic migrant shipwreck in the English Channel that claimed eight lives. This meeting underscores the urgency of addressing the complex migration crisis that has plagued Europe for years.
Key Issues and Developments
1. Channel Tragedy and Migration Statistics:
The latest incident in the Channel has brought the total number of migrant deaths this year to 46. The number of people crossing the Channel has been significant, with around 800 people making the journey on a single day, marking the second-highest figure of the year. This tragedy highlights the ongoing peril faced by migrants attempting to reach the UK.
2. UK’s New Approach:
Keir Starmer, who took office with a decisive parliamentary majority in July, has made combating illegal immigration a central part of his agenda. Starmer’s approach contrasts sharply with that of the previous Conservative government. Rather than continuing with the controversial Rwanda deportation plan, which sent migrants to Rwanda regardless of the outcome of their asylum claims, Starmer is exploring alternatives.
3. Italian Strategy:
Starmer is particularly interested in Italy’s recent approach to handling migration. Italy, under the leadership of Giorgia Meloni and her far-right Brothers of Italy party, has implemented a strategy that includes opening two new centers in Albania. These centers, funded and managed by Italy, aim to house up to 3,000 migrants while their asylum claims are processed. This plan includes sending back those with rejected claims, unlike the UK’s previous Rwanda scheme, which did not offer a pathway to settlement in the UK.
4. Collaboration and Agreements:
Starmer’s meeting with Meloni will focus on enhancing joint operations and learning from Italy’s strategies. The UK’s newly appointed chief of the Border Security Command, Martin Hewitt, will join Starmer in these discussions. The meeting also follows Italy’s agreement with Tunisia, which includes aid in exchange for stronger measures to prevent migrants from crossing the Mediterranean.
5. Declining Arrivals in Italy:
Recent data from the Italian Interior Ministry shows a significant drop in migrant arrivals by sea to Italy this year. Between January and mid-September, arrivals have decreased to 44,675, compared to 125,806 for the same period in 2023. This reduction reflects the impact of Italy’s new policies and agreements.
Conclusion
The meeting between Starmer and Meloni represents a critical step in addressing the migration crisis. Both leaders are exploring new strategies to manage and reduce illegal immigration, with a focus on humane and effective solutions. The collaboration between the UK and Italy could pave the way for innovative approaches to a complex and enduring problem.