Cooper defends Starmer’s trip to Italy to study migrant policies Home Secretary Suella Braverman has backed Keir Starmer's recent visit to Italy, describing it as a move to "pursue Britain’s interests." She noted that while an Albania-style scheme for managing migration is not currently feasible, the trip is significant. During his breakfast meeting with business leaders in Rome, Starmer emphasized the strong ties between the UK and Italy, highlighting their partnership in the G7 and NATO, as well as their robust bilateral relations. He reiterated that his government’s primary focus is on economic growth. Starmer also shared insights that seemed directed at his domestic audience, drawing parallels to business practices. He remarked, "In business, when you're turning around a company, making tough decisions early on is often the best approach." As part of his agenda, Starmer plans to engage with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding her country’s effective strategies in addressing irregular migration. Italy has reportedly achieved a 60 percent reduction in irregular sea migration over the past year, attributed to stringent enforcement measures and international collaboration.