Leaders pledge joint support for Ukraine, closer military ties, and crackdowns on people-smuggling gangs

London — The United Kingdom and Germany signed a landmark bilateral cooperation treaty on Thursday, aimed at deepening defense coordination, boosting support for Ukraine, and intensifying joint efforts to combat illegal migration across the English Channel.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hailed the agreement as a “new chapter” in European cooperation, marking the most significant enhancement in UK-German ties since Brexit.

“This is a historic day for German-British relations,” Chancellor Merz said during the signing ceremony in London. “Together, we are sending a clear message of unity and shared responsibility in a dangerous world.”

The treaty includes provisions for increased military collaboration, joint investment in defense technologies, and intelligence sharing. Both nations also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia, including expanded arms deliveries, training, and reconstruction aid.

On the domestic front, the agreement establishes new frameworks for law enforcement cooperation, particularly focused on disrupting criminal smuggling networks responsible for transporting migrants across the Channel.

Prime Minister Starmer described the deal as a “practical, forward-looking partnership that reflects our shared values and strategic interests.”

Analysts say the treaty not only signals stronger bilateral ties but also reflects a broader push for post-Brexit Europe-wide cooperation on security, migration, and geopolitical stability.