Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that Keir Starmer expressed significant interest in the Italy-Albania migration agreement, as the UK committed to providing £4 million to aid Italy’s efforts to curb irregular migration.
During a press conference in Rome, Starmer agreed with Meloni on the importance of the UK-Italy relationship. However, he emphasized a particular interest in Italy’s strategy for preventing migrants from arriving in the country, rather than focusing solely on the Albania agreement, which is expected to be finalized in a few weeks.
Migration was the primary topic of conversation during Starmer’s visit, with the two leaders photographed sharing light moments in the gardens of Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome.
The financial support from the UK will contribute to the Rome process, Italy’s initiative to address the root causes of irregular migration.
At the press conference, Meloni remarked: “No country alone can effectively dismantle the human trafficking network,” and mentioned the potential for more structured collaboration between law enforcement agencies in both nations.
Regarding the Albania deal, Meloni noted the UK’s keen interest and the desire to strengthen ties between the two countries, while also ensuring cooperation with the EU under post-Brexit regulations.
Starmer praised the “remarkable progress” made by Meloni in reducing illegal migration, attributing it to Italy’s upstream approach, addressing the issue at its source. He described the UK’s stance as “pragmatic,” acknowledging the value of learning from Italy’s successes.
A Downing Street spokesperson commented on Starmer’s visit to Rome’s National Coordination Centre, where he was joined by the UK’s new border security commander, Martin Hewitt. The two sides agreed to take swift action to improve cross-border cooperation, drawing lessons from Italy’s 60% reduction in illegal migration over the past year.
The UK also expressed concern about the treatment of migrants left stranded in the Tunisian desert while attempting to reach Italy. A government spokesperson highlighted the importance of ensuring any measures are practical, cost-effective, and in accordance with international humanitarian law, stressing the need to prevent dangerous journeys that have led to numerous deaths in the Mediterranean and the Channel.
Italy has faced accusations of human rights violations related to its migration deal with Albania, which Meloni dismissed as “completely groundless.”
In addition to migration discussions, Starmer announced nearly £500 million in Italian investments in the UK. These include £435 million from Leonardo, an aerospace and security company, for their Yeovil sites, and £50 million from steel manufacturer Marcegaglia for a new electric arc furnace in Sheffield, which will create 50 new jobs.
