Investing in Solutions
Sir Keir Starmer has committed £4 million of taxpayer money to support Italy in preventing migrants from risking their lives on dangerous Mediterranean journeys.
Partnership with Italy
The announcement was made in Rome during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, highlighting the UK's interest in Italy's initiatives to process asylum claims in Albania.
Focus on Root Causes
The funding will contribute to the "Rome Process," aiding in infrastructure and renewable energy projects in Africa to address the root causes of illegal migration, reducing the need for people to flee their home countries.
Cracking Down on Criminal Networks
With the rise in Channel crossings and tragic incidents involving migrants, there is mounting pressure on Sir Keir to act on his promise to tackle criminal networks. He has appointed top cop Martin Hewitt to lead the Border Security Command, drawing inspiration from Italy's successful strategies.
International Cooperation
Italy's collaborations with countries like Albania, Tunisia, and Libya have shown promising results in managing migration flows. The UK is keen on learning from Italy's approach and exploring potential partnerships with other European nations.
Investing in Innovation
During the press conference, it was also announced that two major Italian companies, Leonardo and Marcegaglia, will invest £485 million in UK defense, clean growth, and innovation sectors, further strengthening ties between the two nations.
