Rama clashes with Farage over migrant policy, as Albanian PM challenges UK politician’s “1 in 50” claim on Albanian in UK

A diplomatic row has erupted between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Brexit architect Nigel Farage, following Rama’s criticism of Britain’s migrant deportation strategy in an interview with The Guardian. The Albanian leader’s comments about the UK being “in a dark place” over its third-country asylum deals drew a sharp reaction from Farage, who accused Rama of hypocrisy and claimed that “one in 50 Albanians in Britain are in prison.”

Why is this important: This exchange highlights growing political tensions between the UK and Albania over migration, deportation, and public rhetoric around Albanian nationals.

Context: In The Guardian interview, Rama criticized the UK government’s efforts to offshore asylum seekers to third countries, calling it a symptom of “a dark place.” Though Albania has signed a migration agreement with Italy, Rama has rejected similar proposals from the UK, including one made during a visit by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Tirana in May.

Farage responded publicly, claiming: “Mr. Rama criticizes us over Brexit and says the UK is in a dark place, looking for countries to dump its migrants… Did you know one in 50 Albanians in Britain are in prison? So, show some goodwill and take them all back tomorrow, because this is hypocrisy.”

Rama’s response: Rama addressed Farage’s statement directly on X, calling the claim “bonkers” and rooted in post-Brexit fear-mongering.

“That ‘one in 50 Albanians are in prison’ claim? It’s not a fact. It’s bonkers. A classic from the post-truth Brexit playbook: ‘If it sounds scary, it must be true,’” Rama wrote.

He added that even under the assumption that all imprisoned Albanians in the UK are guilty, the crime rate would be no higher—and likely lower—than that of British citizens.

What else: Rama upped the ante by proposing a fact-check challenge.

“If your ‘one in 50’ claim holds water — I will personally commit to taking them all back. That’s not a competing headline — it’s a public pledge,” Rama said.

But if the claim is false, he invited Farage to visit Albania as his guest of honor:

“You’ll get real sun, real hospitality, and even more real facts… And all I ask in return is a public pledge: that next time someone badmouths Albanians, you’ll be the first to tell them — in your histrionic way — not to do it again.”

What’s next: The spat adds a new layer to the UK-Albania migration debate, especially as the British government seeks broader third-country arrangements. Rama’s firm rejection of the UK’s migrant relocation proposals—alongside his vocal defense of Albanians in Britain—signals a shift in tone and a readiness to publicly challenge UK narratives he sees as unfair or misleading.