New drone patrols in the Western Balkans will be paid for by the UK in a desperate bid to slash the number of illegal migrants making it to the English Channel.
Sir Keir Starmer travelled to Albania last night before talks today on building co-operation aimed at closing down one of the main routes for migrants trying to enter Europe illegally.
He is also expected to discuss Albania's part in a radical scheme designed to 'offshore' the processing of thousands of migrants landing in Italy – an initiative some ministers believe could one day be copied by the UK.
The Prime Minister is under pressure to step up action to tackle the Channel migrant crisis following a surge in arrivals since Labour came to power.
Arrivals this year have topped 12,000 – a 40 per cent rise from 2024. More than 600 crossed on Monday as the PM was giving his speech vowing a crackdown on immigration.
