The UK has signed a new deal with Iraq aimed at speeding up the return of migrants with no right to be in the country, BBC reported.

It builds on previous efforts to cooperate on tackling smuggling gangs and deterring people from crossing the Channel in small boats.

More than 27,000 people have made the dangerous journey so far this year, up from around 18,000 in the same period last year.

The Conservatives described the deal as "measly" , saying "barely any" small boat arrivals are now Iraqi, according to BBC.