The UK and Iraq have agreed a deal to tackle gangs based in the Kurdistan region who operate people-smuggling operations across Europe that result in migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats.

The United Kingdom says it has signed a security pact with Iraq to target people-smuggling gangs and strengthen border cooperation, the latest in its efforts to crack down on irregular migration. “There are smuggler gangs profiting from dangerous small boat crossings whose operations stretch back through northern France,

Britain and Iraq have agreed an unprecedented joint plan to tackle people smuggling gangs responsible for thousands of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats. On a three-day visit to the country,

Britain said on Thursday it had signed a security pact with Iraq to target people smuggling gangs and strengthen border co-operation, the latest in its efforts to crack down on illegal migration.