What's happened
Keir Starmer's recent visit to Italy to discuss migration strategies with Giorgia Meloni has sparked criticism within the UK. While aiming to reduce illegal crossings, concerns arise over aligning with Meloni's right-wing policies and the implications for Labour's humane migration stance.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Andrew Rawnsley in The Guardian, Starmer's visit to Italy was marked by a focus on family time amidst a relentless schedule, but he faced scrutiny over accepting significant gifts. Meanwhile, the New Statesman highlighted the backlash against Starmer's association with Meloni, emphasizing the complexities of foreign policy in a post-Brexit landscape. The Guardian also pointed out the moral implications of adopting Meloni's migration strategies, which have been criticized for their harshness. Sky News noted the urgency of addressing illegal migration, but questioned whether Starmer's approach aligns with Labour's values.
How we got here
Starmer's government has prioritized addressing illegal migration, particularly following a record number of deaths in the English Channel. His visit to Italy aimed to learn from Meloni's approach, which has seen a significant drop in irregular crossings.
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