Labour strikes migrant returns deal with Iraq - but critics brand it a 'sham'

Labour has agreed a new migrant returns deal with Iraq in its latest bid to get a grip on the small boats crisis. The agreement, signed by Home Office minister Dan Jarvis, will set up a formal process to send back Iraqis who have arrived in the UK with no right to stay in the country.

Mr Jarvis signed the pact during a visit to Britain by Iraq's deputy foreign minister Faud Hussein. The Home Office said the accord would allow the "swift" return of illegal migrants.

The Security Minister said: "This visit reinforces the strength of the UK-Iraq partnership and demonstrates our government's commitment to serious diplomacy that delivers real results.

"As someone who served in Iraq, I understand first-hand the importance of building enduring relationships in the region, and the new agreement we have signed is a testament to the trust and cooperation we've built with our Iraqi counterparts.

"By working together on security, development and migration challenges, we are building stronger relationships that benefit both our countries whilst tackling shared challenges like organised crime and irregular migration."

The number of Iraqis arriving in the UK by small boat has fallen to 1,900 in the year to March 2025, down from 2,600 in the previous year, according to the Home Office.

But the announcement was criticised by the Tories who branded it a "sham".

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: "Over 50,000 illegal immigrants have crossed the Channel in Labour's short time in power, the worst illegal immigration crisis in our history.

"Labour has surrendered our borders, and the consequences are being felt in our communities, from rising crime to shocking cases of rape and sexual assault by recent arrivals.

"Now they boast about a measly returns deal with Iraq, but barely any small boat arrivals are Iraqi, and most would qualify for asylum anyway. It's a sham designed to look tough while crossings keep soaring.

"Labour has scrapped Conservative deterrents and created the conditions for chaos, leaving the British people to foot the bill. Only the Conservatives will stop the crossings and restore control of Britain's borders."

The deal with Iraq is the latest move to crack down on Channel crossings, which have hit a record high so far this year.

A one-in, one-out agreement with France recently came into force, where small boat migrants can be returned in exchange for a legitimate asylum seeker.

It comes after an £800,000 pact last year with Baghdad to help the country crack down on smuggling networks and organised crime.

Earlier this year Sir Keir Starmer and Iraq's prime minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani agreed to strengthen co-operation on migration.