Albania’s prime minister Edi Rama has sharply criticised the UK’s proposed third-country asylum strategy, warning it reflects a moral and political deterioration in Britain’s approach to migration. Speaking during a diplomatic visit, Rama said the policy risks undermining basic human rights and international cooperation.
The UK government’s evolving strategy on immigration has drawn criticism from both domestic and international voices, but Rama’s comments mark one of the strongest rebukes yet from a European leader. “When a country with such a rich democratic tradition seeks to outsource its moral responsibility, it is a sign that something is fundamentally broken,” he said.
Rama’s remarks were directed at plans to send asylum seekers to third countries, including potential deals with nations in Africa and Eastern Europe, following legal and political obstacles to the Rwanda scheme. While officials in London argue the policy is designed to deter dangerous Channel crossings, human rights advocates and some foreign governments argue it breaches international law and abandons humanitarian principles.
Albania has already played a controversial role in UK migration policy. Under previous agreements, hundreds of Albanian nationals have been returned or discouraged from seeking asylum in Britain, despite concerns over conditions in their home country. Rama, who previously struck a cooperative tone with the UK, now appears to be distancing himself from the broader policy framework.
He described the rhetoric around migration in British political discourse as “dehumanising and dangerous”, suggesting it reflects a deeper identity crisis within the UK. “This is not the Britain that once championed justice and dignity. It is a Britain that fears itself,” Rama said.
The comments come at a sensitive time for the UK government, which continues to face legal challenges and public scrutiny over its immigration strategy. With a general election approaching, the ruling Conservative Party has doubled down on its pledge to stop small boat crossings, despite limited evidence of long-term deterrent effects from third-country arrangements.
Opposition parties have condemned the Rwanda plan and its potential successors as ineffective and immoral. The Labour Party has proposed focusing instead on international cooperation and strengthening domestic processing capabilities.
Meanwhile, rights organisations warn that the UK’s evolving migration strategy risks setting a precedent that could erode global asylum standards. Amnesty International called the approach “a race to the bottom in human rights terms”.
As the debate intensifies, Rama’s intervention is likely to add diplomatic pressure on London, especially as it seeks to preserve relations with key allies post-Brexit. His remarks also echo broader concerns across Europe about the continent’s shift towards more restrictive migration policies.
REFH – newshub finance
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