"It’s little wonder voters think net migration is going up when the only debate we have is about how to bring it down” www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...

"It’s little wonder voters think net migration is going up when the only debate we have is about how to bring it down” www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...

That doesn't mean Rejoin is impossible. But it means aligning rhetoric and plans to rejoin around the realities of EU politics rather than just focusing on domestic UK political positioning. Something the Remain movement struggle to achieve in the late 2010s.

​The current UK debate ignores a massive reality: the EU has moved on. The idea that that the UK can just rejoin at their own convenience is total fantasy. ​It's dishonest politics from people still refusing to level with the public about the actual state of play.

"A lot of people thought life was hard while we were part of the EU. Therefore, EU membership made their lives harder..." Luckily this is not an undergraduate essay, and luckily for the author l am not marking it.

"A lot of people thought life was hard while we were part of the EU. Therefore, EU membership made their lives harder..." Luckily this is not an undergraduate essay, and luckily for the author l am not marking it.

Wes Streeting says he will stand for Labour leader and UK's future lies 'back in EU'. Imagine being a country trapped in this debate forever and ever, without any prospect for it to be solved once and for all...

Wes Streeting says he will stand for Labour leader and UK's future lies 'back in EU'. Imagine being a country trapped in this debate forever and ever, without any prospect for it to be solved once and for all...

We conclude with a rich roundtable to end a remarkable day — from why mainstream parties keep radicalising on migration, to the human stories and emotions behind the numbers, and why governing migration is structurally so difficult. Thank you to all speakers, chairs, and participants!

​"We must fix the consequences of our country's totally predictable foreign policy decisions." — The US in the Strait of Hormuz 🤝 Keir Starmer on the EU.

On the same topic, this time no firewall. By Hanna Roberts (Politico), with comments by your truly. www.politico.eu/article/ital...

The conversation continues with a fantastic panel, 'Migration Policy in the Context of the Judiciary and EU Institutions' that explores the government's conflict with the judiciary — with a particular focus on the Italy-Albania Protocol, and how Italy may be reshaping EU migration policies.

We continued with another incredible panel, 'Migration, Populism, and the Far Right' — unpacking populist rhetoric and migration governance, from party communication to how voters hold far-right governments accountable when migration keeps rising despite their promises.

We started with an amazing panel, 'Migration Policy: Externalisation, Securitisation, and Local Actors', from on-the-ground NGO practices to the wider geopolitical impact of Italy's migration model beyond its borders.

Our workshop at LSE "Italy under Giorgia Meloni: A 'Vanguard' in the Management of Migration and Security Challenges?" is now underway! Follow along for updates 🇮🇹

The Meloni paradox: flying high on global stage, but stumbling at home. ​While her international image holds up, a series of domestic missteps from her and her ministers is quietly weakening her position My comments for The Times newspaper (firewall, unfortunately) www.thetimes.com/world/europe...

*PSA Event* Italy under Giorgia Meloni: a ‘vanguard’ in the management of migration and security challenges? 📆 15 May 2026, LSE A one-day event with Prof. Tim Bale (QMU) Dr Caterina Mazzilli (ODI Global) Dr Angelo Martelli (LSE). Run by @psa-italian.bsky.social

The Meloni paradox: flying high on global stage, but stumbling at home. ​While her international image holds up, a series of domestic missteps from her and her ministers is quietly weakening her position My comments for The Times newspaper (firewall, unfortunately) www.thetimes.com/world/europe...

Calls it bolognese rather than ragù... Wastes precious Parmesan rinds that would have worked wonders in a pasta e fagioli... Yet, for some reason, he is still expecting a medal??

100%. But maybe more.

We are at LSE this Friday for the workshop "Italy under Giorgia Meloni: A 'Vanguard' in the Management of Migration and Security Challenges?" — Full programme below. 📍 Yangtze Lecture Theatre, LSE European Institute | 15 May @dralbertazziuk.bsky.social @mlorimer.bsky.social @dbonansinga.bsky.social

The eloquent case against first past the post, re-upped. The risks involved if the next election is run under it (as it most probably will) are huge. www.ft.com/content/38d8...

The clock is ticking on the recent playbook. 🌹 ​The time is ripe for a would-be Labour leader to stop chasing right-wing rhetoric on immigration and start competing with the Greens. Drop the performative barriers for foreign nurses; the membership is ready, l think.

The clock is ticking on the recent playbook. 🌹 ​The time is ripe for a would-be Labour leader to stop chasing right-wing rhetoric on immigration and start competing with the Greens. Drop the performative barriers for foreign nurses; the membership is ready, l think.

Giorgia Meloni has met the PMs of Hungary and Poland, Péter Magyar and Donald Tusk, in recent days. The ones who have defeated the radical right in their respective countries, right? And what have they said to the press they all agree on, among other things? What to do about migration.

Giorgia Meloni has met the PMs of Hungary and Poland, Péter Magyar and Donald Tusk, in recent days. The ones who have defeated the radical right in their respective countries, right? And what have they said to the press they all agree on, among other things? What to do about migration.

In September Meloni's govt will become the longest lasting in Italy's postwar history (overtaking Berlusconi II). The very next day she will kick off her campaign for the general election (to follow a year later), by packaging herself as the moderate, experienced, safe candidate in a crazy world.

In September Meloni's govt will become the longest lasting in Italy's postwar history (overtaking Berlusconi II). The very next day she will kick off her campaign for the general election (to follow a year later), by packaging herself as the moderate, experienced, safe candidate in a crazy world.

The AfD: "an illustration of how opposition parties can shape discourses about national identity".

Salvini is now asking whether Italy should in fact violate the EU's Stability & Growth Pact. He had to say something, as some of his Parliamentarians & supporters are agitating due to the cost of energy. Some Italian newspapers will pretend to take him seriously as run "what is" pieces. & that's it

Salvini is now asking whether Italy should in fact violate the EU's Stability & Growth Pact. He had to say something, as some of his Parliamentarians & supporters are agitating due to the cost of energy. Some Italian newspapers will pretend to take him seriously as run "what is" pieces. & that's it

Orbán heading to the US — fake beard and sunglasses optional, but Hungarian prosecutors might make them necessary. 🧔🕶️ That trip alone tells you everything about why Meloni's "normalisation" playbook is working — and why Orbán's wasn't. #EuropeanPolitics #HungaryPolitics

Meloni's three-step guide to populist radical-right longevity: 1️⃣ Work WITH the Commission & the EPP — not against them 2️⃣ Pick your battles. (Better yet, pick none) 3️⃣ Devise a few red-meat policies on migration & law and order so the base feels seen. Simple. Cynical? Certainly effective, so far.

Orbán heading to the US — fake beard and sunglasses optional, but Hungarian prosecutors might make them necessary. 🧔🕶️ That trip alone tells you everything about why Meloni's "normalisation" playbook is working — and why Orbán's wasn't. #EuropeanPolitics #HungaryPolitics

Always loved the sudden twist whereby every single person on every single doorstep is—conveniently—only talking about the exact thing I’m here to cover in the first place... ;-) ​It’s not just a plot device; it’s a vibe.

BREAKING: Viktor Orbán quits Hungary's parliament after 36 years – confirming my earlier scoop that he's planning a longer US trip this summer, where heads of the Orbán business empire – his daughter and son-in-law – already live, and where he could possibly seek refuge from prosecution.

I'd love to see a credible study of the extent to which the source of Reform UK's money truly matters to its electorate.

One day, the Shabana Mahmoods of the UK will realize they just can’t win over the Reform electorate. ​Deporting their parents won't work. ​Deporting themselves won't work. ​As what's acceptable shifts, the bar just keeps moving higher and higher... And for this, they have themselves to blame.

I'd love to see a credible study of the extent to which the source of Reform UK's money truly matters to its electorate.

Giorgia Meloni journey towards the EPP continues: "Today Italy celebrates the eighty-first anniversary of its Liberation. The Italian people remember one of the decisive moments in their history: the end of the Nazi occupation & defeat of fascist oppression"

To even start discussing that 53% apparently in favour of rejoining the EU without knowing what is the deal on offer in terms of financial contributions, rebates, currency union and much, much else... is ok to kill some time during the weekend, but nothing more.. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

When the chips are down Italy plays its key role within the EU and stands by its vital partners in Europe. The identity of the PM (Draghi, Conte, Meloni... you choose...) does not make much of a difference in the end

To even start discussing that 53% apparently in favour of rejoining the EU without knowing what is the deal on offer in terms of financial contributions, rebates, currency union and much, much else... is ok to kill some time during the weekend, but nothing more.. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

When the chips are down Italy plays its key role within the EU and stands by its vital partners in Europe. The identity of the PM (Draghi, Conte, Meloni... you choose...) does not make much of a difference in the end

Zelensky welcomed in Rome today by both the Italian PM and Italian President. Orbán and Trump who?

Thinking you can bully an institution that’s outlasted every empire in history is certainly… a choice. 🤡 The ignorance is reaching new heights...

Zelensky welcomed in Rome today by both the Italian PM and Italian President. Orbán and Trump who?

Thinking you can bully an institution that’s outlasted every empire in history is certainly… a choice. 🤡 The ignorance is reaching new heights...

Open war btw Trump & Meloni today - this has degenerated quickly... Speaking to Corriere della Sera, & responding to Meloni calling his attacks against Pope "unacceptable", Trump said: "She's the one who is unacceptable,because she doesn't care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy"

On Hungary, you can read the usual chit-chat about "the end of populism" or you can read informative pieces such as the one below... Your choice! ;-)