Europe's two biggest economies sign first agreement since WWII, underscoring 'triangle alliance' with France amid growing Russian threat and US distance

Sir Keir Starmer and German leader Friedrich Merz signed the Kensington Treaty, the most significant UK-German co-operation deal since the Second World War. The treaty focuses on enhanced collaboration in migration, trade, and security, marking a notable improvement in Anglo-German relations.

The treaty suggests Merz will allow some UK citizens to use e-gates on arrival into Germany, something that's not been possible since Britain left the EU. It also puts into place plans to discuss setting up a direct rail link between both nations.

Sir Keir Starmer has told how he was “very concerned” over smuggling routes through Germany. The Prime Minister and the German chancellor held a press conference today after signing the first treaty between the nations since the Second World War.

Nigel Farage has taken aim at Sir Keir Starmer's new deal with Germany as part of the UK's "EU reset". The Reform UK leader referenced research which suggested Britain now aligned with Brussels in 21 areas, compared to four at the beginning of the year.

The visit is Merz’s first to the UK as chancellor, although he has already met Starmer several times, including on a trip to Ukraine just days after he took office in early May.

Germany's EU minister said on Tuesday he was "not quite sure" that a Brexit deal was close. Skip to main content Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionals Learn more ...

Great barrier grief: that is what the UK government promises to end, at least for British travellers to Germany.“Millions of UK travellers to Germany will be able to use e-gates in the future thanks to a new agreement made between prime minister Keir Starmer and German chancellor Friedrich Merz today,