Sunak to travel to Rome for Italian PM’s right-wing political gathering

Rishi Sunak will visit Rome this weekend to attend a right-wing political gathering organised by Giorgia Meloni’s party.

The Prime Minister will meet his Italian counterpart for a discussion on illegal migration as part of the trip on Saturday, where he will be among the high-profile guests scheduled to appear at the Brothers of Italy-backed gathering

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is also expected to attend the annual Atreju event, which has been frequented by former Trump ally Steve Bannon and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the past.

Downing Street confirmed Mr Sunak would meet Ms Meloni, with whom Mr Sunak has developed a strong relationship amid mutual efforts to crack down on illegal migration.

Number 10 said that the two leaders have expressed “shared perspectives” on migration, as aides said Mr Sunak and Ms Meloni had a close working relationship having become leaders of their countries within days of each other in October last year.

“They obviously get on, I think they came in at a similar time,” the prime minister’s press secretary said.

“But I think, most of all, they have a like mind on wanting to act on illegal immigration so have formed an effective working relationship on that, and with other countries as well.”