Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani at Downing Street on Tuesday. The two leaders will discuss key issues, including migration and a major new trade deal.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting will be the announcement of a £12.3 billion export agreement. This deal is almost ten times larger than last year’s trade between the UK and Iraq. It will create big opportunities for British businesses and strengthen the economic partnership between the two countries.
Starmer highlighted the importance of secure borders as part of his “Plan for Change.” He announced that talks will begin with the Iraqi leader about a new agreement to return people who enter the UK illegally.
“Secure borders are a vital foundation of our Plan for Change,” Starmer said. “I am pleased to start discussions on a returns agreement between our countries. This will send a clear message that entering the UK illegally will not guarantee the right to stay.”
This proposed agreement builds on progress made during the Home Secretary’s visit to Iraq in November. At that time, both countries agreed to work together to return people who have no legal right to stay in the UK. They also promised to fight false information spread by smuggling gangs, which encourages people to take dangerous journeys to the UK.
Labour has promised to take strong action against people-smuggling networks, especially those involved in small boat crossings across the English Channel.
Last week, the UK Government announced new plans to target smuggling gangs. These plans include financial sanctions to disrupt their activities and stop their profits.
The meeting between Starmer and Al Sudani is expected to strengthen cooperation on migration and trade. It marks an important step in improving relations between the UK and Iraq.