Keir Starmer to give millions to far-right Italian PM Giorgia Meloni to tackle irregular migration – UK politics live

Sir Keir Starmer has said Nato needs to “put Ukraine in the best possible position”, when asked about the UK potentially lifting restrictions on Storm Shadow missiles to allow them to be used inside Russian territory.

“I think it is important for us to start from the fundamental position, which is that this is an illegal war started by Russia and, as a result, Ukraine has the right to self defence, and we have all – Italy, the UK and other allies, Nato allies in particular – been standing with Ukraine,” he told reporters in Rome.

He added: “It’s a war against the values of democracy, of freedom and the rule of law, which apply to all of us in our respective countries, but across all of the allies. That is why we’ve supplied capability, we’ve supplied training, we’ve supplied money, and there are further commitments to be made recently in relation to all of those.

“I think it’s very important as a matter of principle that we put Ukraine in the best possible position, and that’s what we’ve been discussing. We’ve had the opportunity today to touch on that.

“I had the opportunity in recent days to touch on that. I’m not going to go into individual capabilities. You wouldn’t expect me to do that, but the principle framework, I think, is absolutely right, and we’ll continue to have our discussions in relation to it.”

The Prime Minister claimed his Government has overseen “the single biggest flight that has ever taken off returning people to their country of origin”.

Sir Keir Starmer told reporters in Rome: “Of course, it’s a problem when we’ve got people arriving into the UK who are arriving unlawfully across the channel or any other route, and, of course, every government has the responsibility of making sure our borders are secure.

“Rather than a gimmick, which, as you know, cost £700 million to persuade four volunteers to go to Rwanda, we have gone down the road of pragmatism.

“Already we have returned over 3,000 people by flights. So, the flights actually did get off under this Government, not to Rwanda, but back to countries of origin, carrying with them 3,000 people who shouldn’t be here, including the single biggest flight that has ever taken off, returning people to their country of origin.

“That’s why we’re working so intently on the Border Security Command, which is intended to take down the gangs that are running the vile trade in the first place.”

Sir Keir signalled he was more interested in Italy’s work preventing migrants from reaching the country than its Albania deal, as he claimed his Government had returned to “British pragmatism” on migration.

The Prime Minister said Italy’s reduction in unauthorised migrant numbers was “more likely attributable to the work that the prime minister (Giorgia Meloni) has done upstream”.

He added: “I have always made the argument that preventing people leaving their country in the first place is far better than trying to deal with those that have arrived in any of our countries. I was very interested in that.

“In a sense, today was a return – if you like – to British pragmatism.

“We are pragmatists first and foremost. When we see a challenge we discuss with our friends and allies the different approaches that are being taken, look at what works, and that is the approach we have taken today, and it has been a very productive day.”

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said concerns about human rights violations in the Italy-Albania migrant deal were “completely groundless”.

Asked about the concerns at a press conference in Rome, she said: “I don’t know what human rights violations you’re referring to, to be totally frank.

“This accusation, I think it’s completely groundless.”

She added that migrants sent to Albania would be dealt with under Italian jurisdiction.

Giorgia Meloni said the UK had shown “great interest” in the Italian government’s migration deal with Albania.

The Italian premier told a press conference in Rome that she and Sir Keir Starmer had signed a joint communique including “very tangible, important points, and is evidence of the deep relation between our two countries.”

She said they had discussed the Albanian deal, adding: “The UK Government has shown great interest in this agreement.”

Ms Meloni said they both want “to enhance this very good relationship between Italy and the UK” and “increase co-operation with the EU while of course respecting the post-Brexit rules”.

“I am very satisfied with this meeting today,” she added.

Sir Keir Starmer said he and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni have discussed how the two countries can work together to tackle global challenges.

At a joint press conference, the Prime Minister said: “We used our time today to discuss the global challenges before us and our determination to meet them together.

He said they would “stand shoulder to shoulder to support Ukraine for as long as it takes”.

“We will work together, as we discussed, to deliver the 50 billion euros in loans for Ukraine under your G7 presidency.”

He added: “We are united in our support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.”

Sir Keir told the press conference: “We also discussed the challenge of irregular migration, this is a problem across Europe – for both of our countries in particular but across Europe.”

He added: “You’ve made remarkable progress working with countries across migration routes as equals, to address the drivers of migration at source and tackle gangs.

“And as a result irregular arrivals to Italy by sea are down 60 per cent since 2022, so I’m pleased that we’re deepening our cooperation here led on the UK side here by our new UK Border Security Commander who has been here with me this morning.”