UK SIGNS SECURITY PACT WITH IRAQ – An Attempt to Reduce Immigration
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would publish plans to reduce migration, including reform of the country’s points-based entry system.
Starmer was speaking after official data showed that net migration to Britain soared above original estimates in 2023, hitting a record 900,000, although tougher visa rules have since started to reduce the number of arrivals.
“The previous government were running an open borders experiment,” he told reporters.
Starmer also used his speech to announce a new security pact with Iraq that will target people-smuggling gangs and aim to strengthen border cooperation.
According to Interior Minister Yvette Cooper, Britain will also support Iraqi law enforcement to tackle other serious organised crime, including countering narcotics.
