Italy’ far-right leader, Giorgia Meloni, has used her maiden speech to MPs to stress her aim to halt migrant boats crossing the Mediterranean.
“We must stop illegal departures and human trafficking,” she said, repeating a campaign pledge to stop boats heading to Italy from North Africa.
For years Italy has been a hub for irregular migrants heading for Europe.
More than 77,000 have made the highly dangerous crossing to Italy this year, putting pressure on local communities.
Ms Meloni, 45, leads the Brothers of Italy party and has come to power at the head of far right party.
