Starmer and Merz Ink Treaty Locking in Defense Cooperation
Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a ceremony for the signing of a bilateral cooperation treaty, on July 17.
Photographer: Frank Augustein/AFP/Getty Images
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed a treaty that includes a commitment for the two nations to assist each other in case of armed attack, part of a wider reset of post-Brexit ties.
Conservative leader Merz, who hailed “an historic day for Anglo-German relations,” has made clear his regret over Britain quitting the European Union and is keen to deepen cooperation with the government in London. Starmer said it would “bring the UK and Germany closer than ever” as they confront challenges like Donald Trump’s trade onslaught and Russia’s war on Ukraine.