The UK government has strengthened its border security and tackled illegal migration through international diplomacy, including returns, to deter small boat crossings and undermine organised criminal gangs. The new agreement with Iraq aims to further deter small boat arrivals, while supporting the UK Government’s wider commitment to restore order to the asylum system.
In a striking example of cooperation, Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Higher Returns Committee signed a new agreement with Security Minister Dan Jarvis during a two-day visit to the UK. The agreement establishes formal processes to return those with no legal right to be in the UK swiftly, demonstrating the UK-Iraq partnership's commitment to delivering real results.
The bolstered cooperation builds on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's earlier commitment to enhance migration cooperation between both countries. The partnerships signed by the Home Secretary with Iraq last year on border security and serious organised crime further underscored the UK's dedication to tackling these pressing issues.
Historical Background and Key Stakeholders
The UK-Iraq partnership has a long history of cooperation, dating back to the 2003 invasion. However, the relationship has experienced periods of tension, particularly during the US-led occupation. In recent years, the UK has sought to re-establish its presence in Iraq, with a focus on building strategic partnerships and addressing regional security challenges.
Iraqi President Barham Salih and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani have played key roles in shaping the country's foreign policy agenda, including efforts to strengthen ties with Western nations. The Iraqi government has also made significant strides in addressing internal security concerns, including the defeat of ISIS and ongoing stability efforts.
Security Cooperation and Economic Growth
The UK-Iraq partnership has expanded beyond security to include cooperation on regional security, Baghdad-Erbil relations, defence cooperation, and a growing trade relationship. Discussions during the visit moved beyond security to include these areas, reflecting the government's 'reset' approach to international partnerships.
According to Security Minister Dan Jarvis, "This visit reinforces the strength of the UK-Iraq partnership and demonstrates our government’s commitment to serious diplomacy that delivers real results." He added, "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."
Impact on Migration and Trade
The UK-Iraq partnership has already shown promising results in tackling illegal migration. The number of Iraqi nationals arriving by small boat in the UK has fallen substantially to 1,900 in the year ending March 2025, down from 2,600 in the previous year.
Furthermore, discussions during the visit highlighted opportunities for expanded economic cooperation and the UK's continued support for Iraq's stability and development. The UK reiterated its support for infrastructure development projects in Iraq, building on a trade package worth up to £12.3 billion for UK business announced during Al-Sudani's visit to the UK in January.
Long-Term Implications
Looking ahead, the UK-Iraq partnership is expected to play an increasingly important role in regional security and economic growth. The UK government's 'Plan for Change' approach to secure Britain’s borders through serious international diplomacy will likely focus on leveraging this partnership to tackle shared challenges like organised crime and irregular migration.
In the short term (next 6 months), policymakers should expect continued cooperation between the UK and Iraq on border security, migration, and economic development. This cooperation has already demonstrated its effectiveness in deterring small boat arrivals and supporting regional stability.
In the long term (5–10 years), the UK-Iraq partnership is likely to become a model for other countries seeking to address shared challenges like organised crime and irregular migration. As Security Minister Dan Jarvis noted, "We will continue to use innovative foreign policy approaches to secure Britain’s borders and support development through partnerships."
Conclusion
The strengthening of the UK-Iraq partnership represents a significant development in international diplomacy, demonstrating the government's commitment to serious cooperation that delivers real results. Policymakers, journalists, and educated readers should take note of this positive trend as it underscores the importance of building strategic relationships in addressing pressing global challenges.