Merz vows to tackle illegal migration to UK

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed on Thursday to crack down on the criminal gangs that smuggle migrants into the United Kingdom.

He made the promise during his first official visit to the UK since coming to office in May, saying he will oversee changes in Germany's laws before the end of the year to facilitate the clampdown.

The two countries also agreed on a wide-ranging new bilateral agreement signed by Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to work more closely on business and defense issues.