The UK could suspend visas from countries that do not "play ball" and agree to returns deals for migrants, Shabana Mahmood has said.

The new Home Secretary made the comment as she met counterparts from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance for talks on international efforts to tackle smuggling gangs.

Ms Mahmood, the MP for Birmingham Ladywood, also announced she will not be running for Deputy Leader of the Labour Party following the resignation of Angela Rayner.

Some 1,097 people arrived in the UK in 17 boats on Saturday, bringing the total in 2025 so far to 30,100, a record for this point in a year.

The UK could make the ultimatum with other countries

When asked about the likelihood of visa cuts, Ms Mahmood said: "For countries that do not play ball, we've been talking about how we can take much more coordinated action between the Five Eyes countries.

"For us, that means including possibly, the cutting of visas in the future.

"Just to say, you know, we do expect countries to play ball, play by the rules.

"And if one of your citizens has no right to be in our country, you do need to take them back."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced she would not stand to succeed Angela Rayner | GETTY