RISHI Sunak has invoked the spirit of Margaret Thatcher, vowing to stop illegal migration that threatens to "overwhelm" Europe.
The Prime Minister said that Britain needs the Iron Lady's resolve to stop enemies using "migration as a weapon" by deliberately driving people to our shores to "destabilise" society.
In a major speech in Rome yesterday, he said he is ready to push for an overhaul of international asylum rules if that is what it takes to break the business model of people-smuggling gangs.
He warned that if illegal migration is not tackled it will shake people's faith in "our very systems of government".
At the annual gathering of Brothers of Italy, the country's largest political party, he referred to Mrs.
Thatcher three times as he strived to convince Rightwing Conservatives at home that he is not weak on migration.
And after talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who leads the Brothers of Italy, Britain and Italy will now jointly finance a scheme to return migrants in Tunisia to their home countries.
Number 10 said that after the talks Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni had agreed to co-fund a project that would see the two countries "promote and assist the voluntary return" of migrants currently stuck in Tunisia. Many migrants from African states cross from Tunisia to Europe.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "They also agreed to deepen UK-Italy co-operation on security and economic development across North Africa." Mr Sunak wants his party to get behind emergency legislation to ensure the Government will not be stopped from sending asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing.
Mr Sunak had told his Italian audience: "Margaret Thatcher never shied away from the hard choices and the big issues.
This story is from the December 17, 2023 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 17, 2023 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
VAR is losing its appeal for fuming Frank
A BRENTFORD barricade following skipper Christian Norgaard's red card earned Thomas Frank's side their first away point of the campaign.
Worst Welsh run piles pressure on boss Gatland
WALES slumped to a 12th straight Test defeat as the pressure ramped up for head coach Warren Gatland at Principality Stadium.
Londoners waiting for home 'exiled' to North
COUNCIL chiefs have been warned they may be breaking the law by sending thousands of people on housing waiting lists in London to the North and the Midlands.
New drug for blood cancer a 'game-changer'
PATIENTS with a rare and deadly form of blood cancer have been \"given a second chance\" by a game-changing new drug.
How satellites pose threat to nuclear subs
HUGE leaps in satellite technology will make Britain's nuclear missilecarrying submarines less of a deterrent to China and Russia.
Rescue centres in crisis over rise in dumped dogs
THE RSPCA has warned of a shocking rise in pets being abandoned across the country, many in desperate need of care.
Paul's in-laws sell up to end village pub row
PAUL Hollywood's in-laws have sold their 600-year-old pub and ended a bitter row with villagers who have declared \"war is over\".
Monster deals for return of Thrones
GAME OF Thrones stars are set to be offered huge new deals to return for a big-budget movie sequel.
When arch pop rivals sang together as one...
BAND Aid creator Sir Bob Geldof has revealed the chart-stopping bands on Do They Know it's Christmas? \"could not stand each other\".
Trump 'may save Biden Jr from jail’
PRESIDENT Joe Biden's son Hunter is facing the grim prospect of being sentenced to prison twice in the space of just three days next month.
