Diplomatic setback for Starmer in Albania as migrant detention centers plan collapses

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer encountered a major setback during his official visit to Albania on Thursday, as he sought to promote his plan to establish overseas return centers for migrants.

The proposal—aimed at deporting asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected—was publicly dismissed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama during a joint press conference, leading media outlets such as Spain’s La Razón and the UK’s Sky News to describe the incident as a diplomatic humiliation for the Labour leader.

In an effort to toughen his immigration policy amid a surge in illegal crossings of the English Channel—over 12,000 arrivals in 2025, a 40% increase from the previous year—Starmer proposed establishing centers in third countries to house migrants who have exhausted all legal appeals in the UK.

According to La Razón, Albania—already cooperating with Italy on two detention centers in the cities of Shengjin and Gjader to process 36,000 migrants annually—was among the British government's preferred locations for similar facilities. However, Prime Minister Rama categorically ruled out any Albanian involvement.

The Albania-Italy relationship

The Albanian leader explained that he entered into the agreement with Italy as an exceptional case, citing the close relationship between the two countries and their geographical proximity. He added that several other nations have approached him about similar arrangements, but he has declined, emphasizing his commitment to the alliance with Italy.

In April, Italian authorities transferred 40 individuals to Albania who lacked Italian residence permits and had their asylum applications denied, according to the Associated Press. It marked the first time a European Union member state sent rejected asylum seekers to a country outside the EU.

Starmer seeks to counter the right

The Albanian rejection came at a crucial moment for Starmer, who is facing increased pressure from the right, particularly following the success of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party in recent local elections.

Accused by members of his own party of adopting populist rhetoric with phrases like “taking back control of the borders,” the Labour leader defended his plan as a practical response to migrants’ “delaying tactics,” such as losing documentation or forming families to avoid deportation.

However, Rama’s refusal—favoring existing cooperation with Italy—left Starmer in an awkward position.

Starmer does not give up

Despite the setback, Starmer remains undeterred. According to Sky News, the UK is now in discussions with other countries, with talks set to intensify this Friday at the European Political Community Summit in Tirana, Albania’s capital.

"Embarrassment"

The episode has drawn criticism from both opposition and progressive circles. Chris Philp, a Conservative MP and Shadow Home Secretary, labeled Starmer’s trip an “embarrassment,” while Labour MP Nadia Whittome warned that his anti-immigration rhetoric echoes that of the “far right.”