THE United Kingdom has announced a deal with Turkey to enhance cooperation on tackling illegal migration, which includes a new operational “centre of excellence” to be established by the Turkish National Police.

London announced the plan last night as part of its attempt to reduce illegal migration to the UK, a key political issue.

The new UK-backed centre will “enrich existing expertise in both countries with respect to activities aimed at disrupting criminal networks organising illegal journeys”, said a statement from the Home Office.

The UK will also deploy more officers in Turkey to disrupt criminal gangs that run the illegal migration routes.

The two countries reiterated their commitment to work together to tackle the problem and strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit.

The UK government is under particular pressure to stop migrants making illegal crossings of the Channel.

“As I’ve made clear, we must do everything we can to smash the people-smuggling gangs and stop the boats,” said Interior Minister Suella Braverman.

“Our partnership with Turkey, a close friend and ally, will enable our law enforcement agencies to work together on this international problem and tackle the small boat supply chain,” she said.

The new plan will feature heavily at the upcoming UK-Turkey Migration Dialogue meeting, due to take place in London later this year. – AFP, August 9, 2023.