Merz calls for UK, Germany and France to align on migration and defence

<p>German chancellor’s proposal for strategic axis comes as London and Berlin sign first treaty since second world war</p><p>The German chancellor has called for a strategic axis between the London, Paris and Berlin to tackle illegal migration and deepen defence cooperation, despite declaring that he “deeply deplores” Brexit.</p><p>Friedrich Merz appeared alongside Keir Starmer at a press conference in Stevenage after the signing of the Kensington treaty, the first formal pact between the UK and Germany since the second world war. The agreement, signed at the V&amp;A Museum and followed by a meeting at Downing Street, sets out plans for closer cooperation on migration, defence, trade and education, including a framework for school exchanges.</p><p>A mutual assistance clause on national security, including shared recognition that Russia poses “the most significant and direct threat” to both countries.</p><p>Joint procurement and development of defence technologies including Typhoon jets, Boxer vehicles and long-range missiles.</p><p>A joint rail taskforce to explore infrastructure links, including a future <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/17/london-berlin-trains-drawing-board-uk-german-rail-taskforce">London–Berlin train line</a>.</p><p>Commitments to boost school exchange programmes and cultural ties.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/17/merz-calls-for-uk-germany-and-france-to-align-on-migration-and-defence">Continue reading...</a>