The prime minister and Martin Hewitt - the UK's new border security commander - met Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy Party, to share intelligence and tactics in a bid to "shut down smuggler routes" and to "smash the gangs" behind them.

The PM said he had discussed Italy's deals with other countries during talks with leader Georgia Meloni.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed Italy's efforts to tackle illegal immigration on Monday, saying the two countries would share intelligence and work more closely together to "smash" the people smuggling gangs.