Keir Starmer's recent meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has ignited speculation about potential changes to Labour's asylum policy. The encounter, which took place on September 16, 2024, has raised eyebrows among Labour supporters and could signal a significant shift in the party's approach to immigration.
The focus of attention is Italy's deal with Albania, which involves establishing immigration centers in the Balkan country to process asylum seekers. This arrangement bears similarities to the UK's controversial Rwanda scheme, which Starmer had previously opposed and scrapped upon taking office.
Labour MPs, who spent the summer of 2024 addressing constituent concerns over pensioners' heating allowances, may now face an even greater challenge. In the coming years, they could be tasked with explaining a potential offshore asylum processing plan to their constituents.
The Italian-Albanian agreement has been dubbed by some as "I Can't Believe It's Not Rwanda," highlighting the perceived similarities between the two schemes. While there are differences – such as successful applicants being allowed to return to Italy – the core concept of offshore processing remains the same.
Starmer's interest in the Italian model comes at a time when the UK is grappling with a growing immigration crisis. In 2022, the Home Office reported 45,755 people crossing the English Channel in small boats, underscoring the urgency of finding effective solutions.
However, adopting a similar approach to Italy's could prove politically challenging for Starmer. He would need to justify the policy shift after having scrapped the Rwanda scheme, which hadn't been fully implemented before its cancellation.
The Labour leader's meeting with Meloni, once criticized as "far-Right," also risks alienating some party loyalists. Meloni's leadership of Italy, which began in October 2022, making her the country's first female prime minister, has seen a moderation of her formerly populist rhetoric.
"I can't believe we're even considering this. It goes against everything we stand for as a party."
The potential adoption of an offshore processing scheme raises questions about the UK's adherence to international agreements. The country has been a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention since its inception, and any new policy would need to align with these obligations.
It's worth noting that the concept of offshore asylum processing is not new. Australia first implemented such a system in 2001, and its effectiveness and humanitarian impact have been subjects of ongoing debate.
As Starmer navigates this complex issue, he must balance the urgent need to address immigration challenges with maintaining support from his party base. The coming months will likely see intense discussions within Labour ranks as they grapple with this potential policy shift.