Britain’s new Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her efforts to reduce irregular migration during a press conference in Rome.

He noted a 60% decrease in sea arrivals to Italy since 2022 and expressed a desire to learn from Meloni’s hardline immigration policies, which include plans to send asylum seekers rescued at sea to Albania while their claims are processed.

Starmer emphasized the importance of collaboration with European allies on border security as he aims to address migration issues in the UK.

While he acknowledged the effectiveness of Meloni’s approach, he refrained from fully endorsing her controversial Albania scheme, Politico has reported.

Starmer’s Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, indicated that the Labour government is open to adopting effective solutions.

The Labour Party previously pledged to cancel a contentious plan to settle asylum seekers in Rwanda, which was never implemented.

Written by B.C. Begley