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Will there be another “Non Grata” from London? The British Ambassador to Tirana speaks

2025-04-30 21:51:04Politikë SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Will there be another “Non Grata” from London? The British
British Ambassador, Nicholas Abbott

The Ambassador of Great Britain, Nicholas Abbott, left open the possibility of continuing the process of declaring "non grata" by British authorities for corrupt Albanian officials and politicians, emphasizing that this will depend on the national security interests of his country.

In the interview for Top Channel, he states that Albanians who enter England illegally will not receive asylum, while also commenting on Prime Minister Starmer's expected visit to Tirana on May 16.

Interview:

Muhamed Veliu- In 2022, the British government declared several Albanian politicians as sanctioned persons. Will we have a new list with new names?

Ambassador Abbott – I have always been intrigued by this “mythical list” that I have never personally seen. As you know, we do not comment on individual legal cases at this time. The United Kingdom cares about its national security, takes the necessary measures to protect it, and we will continue to do so.

But I know that our law enforcement agencies, our justice institutions have a very strong relationship here in Albania. And since 2022, we have built a really great operational relationship.

Muhamed Veliu- Your Prime Minister, Mr. Keir Starmer, will participate in the European Leaders Summit on May 16, and a meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama is expected. What is the significance of this visit, the first of a British Prime Minister to Albania?

Ambassador Abbott – This is a very important visit. It shows once again the level of partnership that we already have. Our Prime Minister is someone who has shown a real interest in Albania. He knows that we have created a partnership, a relationship that is producing results. He is interested in seeing these up close.

And it is also coming at a time when at the Summit of the European Political Community, European defense issues are in the spotlight.

Muhamed Veliu– This summit is being held in Albania. Why is it important and what do you expect to achieve from it? You just mentioned the importance of security, but what are the other elements?

Ambassador Abbott – The United Kingdom has supported Albania in hosting this Summit, ever since we hosted it ourselves last year. This seems like a natural thing for us – for Albania to take this leading role. Currently, as you know, there is a lot of concern in Europe about the war in Ukraine and how it can be resolved.

There are, of course, opportunities to discuss broader issues. Migration, unfortunately, is always on the agenda. But I think our Prime Minister comes here with a clear focus on European security and defense and will have the opportunity to talk to different leaders from Western Europe, the Western Balkans and beyond, about what we want to achieve.

Muhamed Veliu- You rightly mentioned that the issue of migration is at the top of your government's agenda. We see that illegal migration is again a hot topic in your country, not only for the current government but also for the previous ones. It has been reported in the British media that the Home Office is looking for foreign centers to send failed asylum seekers. So far, has your government addressed the Albanian government on this issue?

Ambassador Abbott – The United Kingdom, like many other European countries, is considering ways to manage irregular migration. This is a challenge not only for us, but also for other countries.

As I said, in the last three years we have built a very positive and pragmatic relationship with Albania. So these issues are definitely on our radar and are the subject of discussion.

But it's not like we come with any specific plan.

I think that, as is happening within the framework of the Summit, this is a meeting of leaders with common interests, and it is an opportunity to discuss these migration issues and ways to solve them.

Muhamed Veliu – Albanian citizens continue to arrive in the United Kingdom via dinghies, although in smaller numbers than in 2022. What are the realistic chances of gaining asylum after the legal changes of 2023, when Albania was declared a safe country?

Ambassador Abbott – We consider Albania to be a safe country. So, unfortunately, anyone who tries to enter the UK illegally and claim asylum will fail. My clear message when I travel around Albania and meet people is: please don't do this, don't try it, it won't get you anywhere. There are real problems with the lack of job opportunities and we know that this is a strong reason for many young people trying to enter the UK. But as you said, the number of those arriving by dinghy is much lower now compared to three years ago. We also have a return policy where we return Albanian citizens from the UK to Albania.

Therefore, my message is very clear: don't do this.

Muhamed Veliu - Every day we read news in the British media about Albanian organized crime. What is the real assessment of law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom? Do we have a real problem with Albanian organized crime in your country or is it just speculation by the British media?

Ambassador Abbott – No, it is a real problem, but I think it is very important to emphasize that the majority of Albanians or people of Albanian origin in the United Kingdom are ordinary, positive citizens who contribute to what the United Kingdom is.

There are Albanians who are teachers, health workers, business leaders, all of whom live normal lives, like everyone else, who educate their children and contribute to a society they want to be a part of.

Yes, there is an issue with Albanian organised crime groups in the UK, particularly in drug trafficking. But that involves a minority. We need to deal with that and, as I mentioned, we are working closely with the Albanian authorities to do that.

Muhamed Veliu – Last year we saw the visit to Albania of the head of the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom, Mr. Biggar. How do you assess the cooperation with SPAK in the fight against organized crime?

Ambassador Abbott – I assess it very positively. It is an operational, pragmatic, open relationship, where not only conversations are taking place, but also concrete cooperation to achieve results. And I am pleased to say that we are achieving results.

Muhamed Veliu – When you say there are new results, can you explain a little further?

Ambassador Abbott– Oh, Muhammad, I believe you understand that these are not things that are necessarily for the public.


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