Albanian PM Slams UK's Post-Brexit Policies on Asylum Seekers

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has criticized the UK, stating that the country is in a "very dark place" following Brexit. His remarks were prompted by the UK's plans to send refused asylum seekers to "return hubs" in third countries.

Rama, leader of Albania's Socialist Party, accused Britain of seeking locations to "dump immigrants." He suggested that such an asylum policy would have been inconceivable before Brexit. The UK government, under Sir Keir Starmer, has begun exploring the possibility of processing failed asylum seekers in third countries before deportation.

Rama stated that the current situation, where the UK is considering such measures, is not due to the actions of specific leaders but rather reflects the country's current state. He noted that many aspects of the current discourse in Britain would have been considered unacceptable before Brexit.

In a previous statement, Rama appeared to rule out Albania's participation in the UK scheme, citing the country's commitment to its agreement with Italy. He clarified that Sir Keir Starmer had not made a public request for Albania's involvement, but that former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak had previously asked. Rama has consistently declined these requests. He explained that Albania's agreement with Italy is different due to the unique relationship between the two countries. The UK government continues to grapple with the migrant crisis.