Britain, Germany sign defense, migration deal

LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, July 17, 2025, signed a wide-ranging bilateral agreement covering defense, migration, trade and climate cooperation. It is believed to be the most significant treaty between Britain and Germany since the end of World War II.

The treaty includes provisions for joint military and training exercises, coordination on arms exports, and efforts to counter cyber threats and information warfare.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, consistent with the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The agreement also pledges to strengthen bilateral trade within the framework of European Union-Britain agreements, promote free and open markets, and support employment growth and the creation of high-quality jobs.

Called the Kensington Treaty, Starmer described it as “the first of its kind ever” between the two countries and a reflection of “the closeness of our relationship as it stands today.”

“This treaty highlights the strong and close relationship between our countries at a time of real volatility in the world,” he said. / XINHUA