UK and Germany Sign Landmark 'Kensington Treaty' on Migration, Defence, and Business

The UK and Germany have signed a new agreement called the Kensington Treaty, aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. It is the first formal treaty between the UK and Germany since the end of the Second World War and covers three main areas: migration, defence, and business cooperation.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed the treaty at a ceremony in London, joined by their foreign ministers. Starmer described the deal as a “historic document” and a clear sign of how close the UK and Germany have become. He said it reflects their shared ambition to work more closely in a time of global uncertainty.

A major focus of the treaty is on migration, especially on stopping illegal smuggling operations that bring migrants to the UK. Germany has agreed to pass new laws to help crack down on gangs involved in these networks, aiming to have these changes in place by the end of the year.

This follows a similar agreement between the UK and France, where both countries committed to trying new methods to return migrants and reduce small boat crossings.

The defence part of the deal will involve more joint military work and coordination on global security threats, especially in Europe and Africa. The treaty also includes plans to improve business and trade ties, particularly in areas like technology, energy, and green innovation.

Chancellor Merz admitted he was surprised this is the first formal treaty between the two nations since 1945, saying that being in the European Union had made such agreements seem unnecessary in the past. Now, both leaders agree that closer direct ties are more important than ever.

The signing of the Kensington Treaty marks a major step in the UK’s post Brexit foreign policy. For Prime Minister Starmer, it represents a shift toward rebuilding trust with key European allies outside the EU. His government is seeking deeper one on one ties with nations like Germany and France, focusing on shared interests such as border security, defence, and economic growth.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the treaty was long overdue and that EU membership had previously created the impression that such bilateral deals were not necessary. Now, both governments see more value in direct cooperation, especially with growing instability in Europe, migration pressure, and the threats posed by global conflicts.

Starmer emphasised that the treaty is not just symbolic but a real action plan. The UK and Germany will work together to stop criminal gangs smuggling migrants into the UK, with Germany committing to changing its own laws to help with this effort. This builds on France’s recent agreement with the UK to pilot a scheme that returns some migrants crossing the Channel.

The defence agreement will include more joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and joint responses to crises in Europe and abroad. Analysts say this shows the UK wants to maintain a strong presence in European security matters even after leaving the EU.

The business and trade sections of the treaty are still light on detail but are expected to include measures to encourage investment and collaboration in clean energy, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure. Policy documents outlining specific plans will be published later this month.

The treaty has been praised as a clear message that the UK is not retreating from Europe but is instead reshaping how it works with key allies. A joint press conference will take place later today to answer questions from the media.

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