UK to strike deal with Iraq to tackle gangs of people smugglers

BRITAIN and Iraq will strike a deal to tackle Channel migrant smuggling gangs, it emerged last night.

- Michael Knowles

Many of the smuggling routes across the Channel are controlled by Iraqi-Kurdish gangs.

Now the UK and Iraq have strengthened their partnership to combat crime and terrorism as security minister Tom Tugendhat wraps up a three-day visit to the region.

The Home Office said the two countries are preparing to sign a "statement of intent" to tackle organised crime, drug trafficking, money laundering and terrorism.

Mr Tugendhat said: "Iraq is a key partner in our fight against terrorism, as well as serious and organised crime.

"The Iraqi security forces are on the front lines of our fight against Isis. Many of the criminal gangs who operate small boat crossings in the English Channel operate out of Iraq, which is why I'm working with our partners in Baghdad to bring them to justice.

Partnership