Albania snubs role as Starmer's Rwanda-style hub for migrants

SIR Keir Starmer’s latest attempt to curb illegal migration hit the buffers after Albania ruled out hosting one of his Rwanda-style “return hubs”.

- Martyn Brown

The Prime Minister said he authorised discussions with a string of Balkan states that would see the UK pay to send failed asylum seekers overseas.

His big announcement came following talks with Albanian counterpart Edi Rama in Tirana.

However, Mr Rama appeared to rule out being a host to the scheme.

At a joint press conference, Albania’s premier insisted: “I have been very clear since we started this process with Italy that this was a one-off because of our close relations but also because of the geographical situation, which makes a lot of sense.

“We have been asked by several countries if we were open to it, and we said no. We are loyal to the marriage with Italy, the rest is just love.”

It came after it was reported on Wednesday that Albania was one of the UK’s preferred options for a returns hub.

Sir Keir then declined to name the countries involved. But they are believed to also include Serbia, Bosnia and North Macedonia.

He added: “At the appropriate time I’ll be able to give you further details in relation to it.”