British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent meeting with far-right Italian premier Giorgia Meloni in Rome has caused controversy and criticism within his own Labour Party. The meeting focused on discussing ways to tackle irregular immigration, with Starmer seeking to understand Italy’s approach to reducing migrant arrivals.
Critics, including Labour MP Kim Johnson, have called the meeting “disturbing,” especially in the context of recent far-right riots in the UK targeting mosques and migrant centers. Despite rejecting the previous government’s plan to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda, Starmer has expressed a commitment to fighting illegal immigration.
The issue of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers crossing the English Channel remains a pressing concern, with more than 22,000 making the journey so far this year. The dangerous crossing has resulted in several deaths, including a recent incident where a boat carrying about 60 people ran aground.
Despite rejecting the Rwanda plan, Starmer has not ruled out offshore processing arrangements for asylum claims. Italy has agreements with countries like Albania and Tunisia for processing centers and has renewed efforts with Libya to stop refugees from crossing the Mediterranean.
Human rights groups have criticized these policies for pushing refugees back to countries where they face abuse and torture. However, Starmer has expressed support for prevention strategies to stop people from making dangerous journeys in the first place.
Overall, Starmer’s meeting with Meloni and his interest in learning from Italy’s far-right government have raised concerns and sparked debate within the UK political landscape. The issue of immigration remains complex and multifaceted, with no easy solutions in sight.
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