UK to explore Italy-Albania migration deal in Rome meeting
New UK Border Security Commander to lead fight against smuggling gangs
Italy’s migration deal with Albania will be discussed when the prime minister meets his counterpart in Rome. The meeting follows the appointment of a former police chief to combat people smuggling. Sir Keir Starmer has shown interest in Albania’s agreement to process asylum seekers on Italy’s behalf. While acknowledging the policy’s early stages, he expressed openness to a similar scheme for the UK.
The prime minister, before his trip, mentioned he plans to discuss some strong ideas with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni. When asked about a potential UK-Albania arrangement, Sir Keir stated, “Let’s see. It’s in early days, I’m interested in how that works, I think everybody else is.” He reiterated that it is still very early in the process.
During the visit, the prime minister will be joined by the UK’s new Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt. Hewitt has been appointed to lead the new Border Security Command, fulfilling a key election promise by Sir Keir to address illegal immigration, replacing the previous government’s Rwanda scheme. They will visit the National Coordination Centre for Migration to observe Italy’s response to irregular migration.
Sir Keir Starmer has said he is “interested” in learning about Italy’s scheme to send migrants rescued at sea to Albania to process their asylum claims, ahead of his first official visit to Rome.
He is set to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday.…
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) September 15, 2024
Hewitt, the former chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), will spearhead international efforts to dismantle criminal smuggling gangs. He ended his term as NPCC chair in April 2023, having been a prominent voice during the pandemic. Sir Keir praised the appointment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to tackling smuggling gangs and bringing order to the asylum system. Hewitt’s expertise is expected to lead a new era of international enforcement.
Hewitt remarked on the issue, stating that criminal gangs have long exploited European borders for profit, resulting in the deaths of many innocent people. He vowed to dismantle these networks and bring those responsible to justice. So far this year, at least 45 people have died attempting Channel crossings. Government figures indicate that over 21,000 people crossed the English Channel in small boats between January and September.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AP News reports on Starmer and Meloni’s talks in Rome, focusing on migration strategies and Italy’s crackdown, with Starmer seeking lessons to curb Channel crossings. (Read more)
- BBC reports on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Italy to discuss migration, focusing on Italy’s scheme to send migrants to Albania and the EU’s controversial migrant policies in North Africa. (Read more)
- The Standard reports that Sir Keir Starmer is considering Italy’s migrant deal with Albania to tackle the small boats crisis, indicating interest in a similar policy for Britain. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the purpose of Italy’s migration deal with Albania?
Albania will accept asylum seekers on Italy’s behalf while their claims are processed.
Is the UK considering a migration deal similar to Italy’s with Albania?
Yes, Sir Keir Starmer expressed interest in exploring a similar scheme for Britain.
Who is Martin Hewitt and what is his new role?
Martin Hewitt is the UK’s new Border Security Commander, appointed to tackle illegal immigration.
What is the main goal of the new Border Security Command led by Martin Hewitt?
To dismantle criminal smuggling gangs and bring order to the asylum system.
How many people have died in Channel crossings so far this year?
At least 45 people have died in Channel crossings so far this year.
