UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer explores offshoring asylum claims as part of efforts to strengthen ties with Europe and tackle irregular migration

At a pivotal European Political Community (EPC) meeting held at Blenheim Palace, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated a potential shift in Britain’s asylum policy. Starmer suggested the UK might consider “offshoring” the processing of asylum claims, aligning with similar practices being explored by European partners.

Starmer’s remarks came after hosting European leaders in Oxfordshire, where discussions focused heavily on curbing irregular migration and enhancing defence and security cooperation. Highlighting a model in which Italy sends asylum seekers to Albania for processing, Starmer stated, “I’m a practical person — I’ve always said I will look at what works. Where cases can be processed closer to the origin, that is something which ought to be looked at.”

The meeting, held at Blenheim Palace — the birthplace of former UK Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill — was seen as a significant opportunity for Starmer to mend strained post-Brexit relations with Europe. The summit gathered leaders from the 27 EU member states and other European nations, excluding Russia and Belarus.

Starmer attended a breakout session on migration chaired by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama. The two leaders have collaborated on establishing centres in Albania where Italy-bound migrants are registered and await their asylum claims to be processed by Italian officials.

The Italy-Albania deal, struck last year, differs from the controversial Rwanda scheme proposed by former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, which was scrapped by Starmer upon taking office. Unlike the Rwanda plan, which would have permanently relocated undocumented migrants to Africa, the Italy-Albania arrangement allows accepted asylum seekers to return to Italy.

In a further commitment to addressing irregular migration, Starmer announced £84 million in funding for training and education programs in the Middle East and Africa. He emphasized, “This summit is an opportunity to set a new path on illegal migration, to transform the way that we work together on border security and law enforcement and to say together ‘no more’.”

Reaffirming the UK’s commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights, Starmer displayed the Treaty of London at Blenheim, emphasizing Britain’s enduring dedication to human rights. This stance, a clear departure from the previous government’s threats to withdraw from the convention, was intended to foster better cooperation with European partners.

The meeting received positive feedback from European leaders, with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, expressing optimism about future UK-EU relations. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the event as “a great opportunity for a reset,” and UK officials hinted at the possibility of an EU/UK summit to discuss Starmer’s proposal for a defence and security pact.

In his address to European leaders, Starmer declared, “Britain will be a friend and a partner ready to work with you. Not part of the European Union, but very much part of Europe.” He noted a growing desire among EU leaders for closer economic and trade ties with Britain, underscoring his intent to secure a better deal than the current one.

SKY NEWS

On July 18, 2024, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a plan to address the illegal migration crisis by targeting its root causes. Announcing £84 million in funding from the overseas aid budget, Starmer’s strategy focuses on health, education, and humanitarian support in African and Middle Eastern countries. The funding allocation includes £13 million for migration-for-development programs in North and East Africa, £21 million in multilateral support for key host and transit countries, £26 million for Syrian refugees, and £24 million for Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia. Additionally, £2 million will support the International Organization for Migration in Libya.

Starmer criticized the previous Conservative government’s approach, particularly the scrapped Rwanda deportation scheme, labelling it a “gimmick” that failed to solve the issue. He emphasized that the new funding aims to address the underlying causes of migration, which he argues have been exacerbated by conflicts, climate change, and humanitarian crises.

In parallel, the UK is working to strengthen its European partnerships. At the European Political Community summit held at Blenheim Palace, Starmer highlighted increased cooperation with European partners, including new arrangements with Slovenia and Slovakia and expanded intelligence sharing to combat organized crime and people smuggling. Starmer stressed the need for practical, international law-compliant solutions, contrasting his administration’s approach with the previous government’s focus on ineffective measures.

Starmer’s plan is also a response to the record numbers of illegal crossings this year, with over 14,000 individuals making dangerous journeys across the Channel. He acknowledged the challenge of reversing the situation swiftly but promised continued efforts and collaboration to improve border security and address migration effectively.

THE GUARDIAN

On July 18, 2024, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed openness to processing asylum seekers offshore as part of a broader reevaluation of immigration policies. This potential shift in strategy was discussed during the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace, where Starmer met with EU leaders, including Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who discussed Albania’s role in processing asylum claims for Italy.

Despite exploring offshore processing, Starmer acknowledged that a returns agreement with the EU was not a primary focus at the summit. French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that France would not assume additional burdens related to migration. Starmer emphasized his pragmatic approach, aiming to address the root causes of migration by dismantling smuggling networks and securing borders rather than prioritizing a returns deal, which he views as a secondary concern.

Starmer’s government aims to improve UK-EU relations, focusing on cooperative efforts to tackle migration and other issues. He reassured European leaders that the UK would adhere to the European Convention on Human Rights and expressed a commitment to restoring and enhancing diplomatic ties strained by Brexit.

In the short term, Starmer faces pressure to reduce the number of people crossing the Channel, with over 10,000 arrivals this year. His administration is considering offshore processing if it proves effective, cost-efficient, and legally compliant. However, the idea faces criticism from refugee charities, who argue that outsourcing asylum responsibilities is unethical and ineffective.

THE TELEGRAPH

Fraser Nelson’s article explores the implications of Sir Keir Starmer’s potential “reset” of UK-EU relations and how it might be challenged by a possible return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. Starmer, who is committed to mending ties with the EU, faces significant challenges, particularly with Trump’s potential return and the shifting dynamics in Europe.

Starmer’s administration, reflecting a strong anti-Brexit stance, aims to restore and enhance UK-EU relations. This effort was evident at the recent European Political Community summit in Blenheim, where discussions included the broader European landscape beyond the EU, involving 47 countries. This summit highlighted concerns about the future of European security, especially if the US were to withdraw support.

Trump’s potential comeback could significantly impact Europe’s security dynamics. His running mate, JD Vance, has voiced strong isolationist views, suggesting that the US might reduce its support for European defence, including aid to Ukraine. This isolationist stance, coupled with a lack of European unity on Ukraine—evidenced by Germany’s plans to cut aid and Hungary’s push for a peace deal with Russia—could lead to increased instability in the region.

For Starmer, the challenge is multifaceted: balancing the UK’s position between robust support for Ukraine and the need to align with European allies who have divergent views. The article suggests that Starmer must navigate these complexities, possibly reshaping Europe’s defence strategy in response to a changing American role. This may involve bolstering European defence capabilities independently of NATO or enhancing collaborative efforts within the EU.

Nelson emphasizes the need for Starmer to think beyond rejoining or relying solely on the EU and to develop new strategies to address emerging geopolitical realities. The potential return of Trump underscores the urgency for a fresh approach to defence and security, reflecting new challenges and opportunities in a shifting global landscape.