UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has introduced new plans to tackle illegal migration by focusing on international cooperation and addressing the root causes. He revealed an £84 million aid package to help reduce migration from Africa and the Middle East. This money will be used to support education, job creation, and humanitarian aid in areas where poverty and instability are pushing people to leave their homes.
During a summit at Blenheim Palace, Starmer stressed that solving illegal migration means addressing the problem at its source. He called on European countries to join forces to break up human smuggling networks and improve border security. His government is shifting resources from previous projects, like the canceled Rwanda deportation plan, to set up a “rapid returns” unit that will quickly return people who don’t have the right to stay in the UK.
Starmer is also looking into offshore processing for asylum seekers, similar to Italy’s deal with Albania, to handle asylum claims closer to where the migrants come from. This marks a change in the UK’s immigration strategy, aiming to find solutions through cooperation with European partners while respecting international laws and human rights.
His announcement comes as illegal migration into Europe is increasing, especially across the Mediterranean, underscoring the need for coordinated and long-term solutions.