‘The West must not divide’, Italy’s Meloni tells Starmer

Sunday 02 March 2025 3:00 pm

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned Sir Keir Starmer the West should “keep away from the danger” of dividing throughout a go to to Downing Avenue on Sunday.

Starmer welcomed Meloni for a bilateral assembly forward of a summit of political leaders in London centered on Ukraine and wider European safety.

Talking in Downing Avenue, Meloni mentioned that in a “treasured second” it’s “essential to speak to one another, to co-ordinate”.

She advised Starmer: “We’re all very dedicated a couple of aim that all of us wish to obtain, which is a simply and lasting peace in Ukraine and I believe it is extremely, essential that we keep away from the danger that the West divides.

“And I believe on this the UK and Italy can play an vital position in bridge-building, let’s say. You recognize I’ve been additionally proposing a gathering between US and European leaders… if we divide ourselves that may make us all weaker.”

Starmer, who welcomed Meloni on the doorstep of 10 Downing Avenue previous to the summit, mentioned he was wanting ahead “to having the chance” to speak “concerning the vital points as a result of I believe we strategy them with a really related mindset”.

Quantity 10 mentioned that throughout the assembly the 2 leaders mentioned tackling migration in addition to the battle in Ukraine.

Issuing a readout of the assembly, a Downing Avenue spokesperson mentioned the leaders “agreed on the significance of the transatlantic alliance in confronting shared challenges”.

It went on: “They’d a heat and constructive dialogue, agreeing the energy of the UK-Italy relationship is as important now because it has ever been. They reaffirmed their help for Ukraine, agreeing that the UK and Italy will stand with them for so long as it takes.

“The 2 leaders acknowledged constructive progress made since their final assembly in joint working to sort out irregular migration. They agreed safe borders are a bedrock of a safe financial system.

“They famous the importance of latest profitable joint operations to disrupt smuggling gangs and agreed there’s larger alternative to disrupt gangs upstream at supply when international locations work collectively.

“They are going to strengthen co-operation to share intelligence and information, equivalent to via Europol. The prime ministers dedicated to proceed to work intently collectively in these areas.

“The 2 prime ministers dedicated to staying in shut contact to take right this moment’s dialogue ahead at tempo.”

By William Warnes, PA