This new support comes as the United Nations launched a new humanitarian appeal for Iraq. It brings the UK’s humanitarian response to the Iraq crisis to £59.5m.

The money will help provide those in need with access to water, medicine and food as well as cash assistance to buy essential supplies.

“The images on our televisions of people risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean are a reminder that conflict and instability in Iraq and elsewhere continues to turn people’s lives upside down,” said Greening.

“That is why the world cannot ignore the terrible plight these people find themselves in, caught up in conflict. It is so important that the international community provides people not only with immediate, life-saving help where they are, whether in refugee camps or living in nearby communities, but ultimately with hope for a better future and the prospect of rebuilding their lives.”

The UN yesterday launched a fresh international humanitarian appealed for nearly $500m to cover the immediate needs of 5.6 million Iraqis for the next six months.

Lise Grande, the UN humanitarian coordinator for the war-torn country, said at the appeal launch at the European Parliament in Brussels that more than 50% of critical aid operations would shut down or be cut back if money is not received immediately.

She said the implications of this would be “catastrophic”.

The conflict has forced 2.9 million people from their homes and scattered them, hampering aid efforts.

The UN estimates that 10 million Iraqis will need support by the end of the year.