Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni have held talks on migration, defense, and the conflict in Ukraine. Sunak praised Meloni’s handling of the Italian economy and said the values between the two countries were “very aligned.” He also applauded Meloni’s efforts to tackle illegal migration and praised her leadership in responding to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Both governments share an interest in stopping migrants from reaching their countries by boat.
Sunak’s administration is currently passing a bill through Parliament that will deny asylum to anyone who arrives in the UK without permission. However, this legislation has been condemned by refugee groups and the United Nations human rights body. Additionally, the government’s plan to send migrants who arrive by boat on a one-way trip to Rwanda is being blocked by legal challenges. Meloni has led a crackdown on people-smugglers and on rescue ships operated by charities that she says encourage migrants to risk dangerous voyages from North Africa across the Mediterranean.
Meloni said that “there is much more that we can do on many topics on which we are on the same side – defense, Ukraine.” Unlike some far-right populists in the West, Meloni has taken a strongly pro-NATO, pro-European position on Russia’s war in Ukraine. After their meeting, the two leaders were scheduled to have a private tour of Westminster Abbey, where King Charles III will be crowned on May 6.
A group of protesters gathered outside the gates of Downing Street as the leaders met, holding signs that read “No to fascist Meloni” and chanting: “Refugees in, Meloni out.” Despite the criticism, Sunak welcomed Meloni warmly and praised her leadership on several issues. Sunak meets leaders from all political backgrounds around the world but reserved particularly warm words for Meloni. The prime minister said that Italy and the UK could work together on shared challenges because their values are aligned.
Overall, Sunak and Meloni’s talks covered a range of issues, and they agreed that there were many things they could do together. Despite protests, Sunak welcomed Meloni to Downing Street and praised her leadership, including her handling of the Italian economy and her efforts to tackle illegal migration.
