Attack on Albanians by predecessors? Starmer: I don't want to comment on previous prime ministers!

The British Prime Minister, during a joint conference with Edi Rama in Tirana, was asked if he would apologize on behalf of the state for the denigration made of the Albanian community there.

Keir Starmer said he does not comment on the statements of previous prime ministers, but stressed that his approach is not diplomacy with a megaphone, but solving problems by working.

Question : Your predecessors in government have maintained very strong positions regarding the Albanian community in Britain. Positions that were denigrating, not making a clear distinction between those who do honest work, pay taxes and are good citizens and those, a small number, who are involved in criminal activity. Given that you are the first British Prime Minister to come to Tirana since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, do you think this is the moment to demand an apology on behalf of the British state?

Answer : The fact that I am the first British Prime Minister to be at this meeting should also be seen as a statement of intent on how we see Albania and Rama, and on the very character, manner and strength of our relationship itself. I do not want to comment on previous Prime Ministers, but my approach is not diplomacy with a megaphone, but when we do hard work and solve the problems that we have to face. We have already proven this. It has been the most effective way to solve problems, including the joint work that we have seen today of law enforcement authorities.