Albanian ambassador hits out at ‘campaign of discrimination’ amid rise in Channel crossings

The Albanian ambassador called for an end to the “campaign of discrimination” against Albanians living in the UK as he was grilled over the rise in numbers crossing the Channel.

Qirjako Qirko repeatedly told MPs his government has “no information” about an increase in people from the Balkan state making the journey to the UK, and claimed details have not been provided by the Home Office.

After dodging several questions, he told the Commons Home Affairs Committee on Wednesday: “I would like to take this opportunity to ask that this campaign of discrimination against Albanians living here in the UK should stop.”

Youngsters are being bullied in school “only because they are Albanians” as a result of the “wave of activity”, he claimed, as he demanded anyone responsible should apologise.

Albanians accounted for just over a third of Channel crossings in the first nine months of the year, figures published by the Home Office last month showed.

Out of 33,029 arrivals in the UK between January and September, 11,241 (35%) were Albanians. This is a sharp increase compared with the 3% recorded in the whole of 2021.

Asked why the number of Albanians crossing the Channel has increased so much this year, Mr Qirko said: “Officially, my embassy, my government … have no information regarding this number.”

He repeatedly insisted Albania is a “safe country”, telling MPs: “The problem is, it seems, that the people arriving here … they pretend to be a victim of modern slavery.”

But when asked if he thought all Albanians arriving are pretending, he added: “I don’t know.”

Mr Qirko later confirmed he would be happy to see Albanians deemed to be victims of modern slavery in the UK returned to their home country.

Facing questions over whether he agrees that the UK should not have to recognise any asylum claims from Albanian nationals, he said: “It’s up to the British authorities to decide”, adding: “I cannot discuss this issue because it’s not my problem. What I can say is Albania is a safe country.”

Asked again if the Albanian government would have a problem if that became UK policy, he said: “I don’t want to comment … I am not allowed to comment.”

Committee member and Conservative MP Tim Loughton said: “You are here as a representative of the Albanian government. I am purely asking a reasonable question as to what the response of the Albanian government would be, because that’s key to whether the United Kingdom Government adopts that policy or not.”

Mr Qirko also said it is “not the responsibility of the Albanian government” when he was asked whether it should be making a financial contribution to the UK for housing the country’s migrants in hotels.

He added that the Albanian government “can’t control TikTok or Facebook” when asked what action is being taken to shut down social media posts advertising Channel crossings.

Mr Qirko suggested Albanian police may be investigating, but said: “I don’t have details.”