Protesters Chase Iraqi PM’s Car After Meeting with UK Leaders
Protesters clashed with police as they opposed a controversial migration deal with the UK, targeting the Iraqi PM’s convoy in London.
Iraq, UK, Protest, Migration, Downing Street
London: So, there was quite a scene outside Downing Street recently. Iraqi protesters were really fired up about a migration deal with the UK. They chased after Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s car as it left the famous No. 10.
Before the meeting, Sir Keir Starmer and Mr. Sudani were supposed to chat about a new returns agreement. Sir Keir mentioned that this deal could help tackle those nasty people-smuggling gangs linked to Iraq.
As the Iraqi PM arrived, you could hear the crowd outside chanting. One protester even yelled, “Are you gambling with our lives?” It was pretty intense.
When Mr. Sudani’s car finally left, the protesters ramped up their chants again. One person even threw something at the convoy, but thankfully, it missed.
They chased the cars down Whitehall, and the police had to step in to hold them back. Eventually, the protesters calmed down and left after talking to the officers.
One protester, Farman Haji, made it clear they were against the migration deal. He said sending people back to Iraq would put their lives at risk. He passionately stated, “We want to save a thousand, thousand lives in the UK.”
The Dakok Organisation for Rights and Freedom, which Farman is part of, aims to support the Kurdish community in the UK. After the meeting, a spokesperson from Downing Street said both leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and the need for peace and stability.
Sir Keir also highlighted the growing partnership between the UK and Iraq, mentioning a big £12.3 billion trade package. They talked about working together on border security and disrupting those people-smuggling networks.