U.K. and Germany Sign Their Deepest Defense Pact Since WW2
Friedrich Merz (L) and Keir Starmer (R), July 17, 2025. X/ @DavidPastorek2
July 17, 2025 Hour: 8:36 am
The Kensington Treaty further consolidates the London-Berlin-Paris defense triangle.
On Thursday, the United Kingdom and Germany signed their most significant defense and cooperation treaty since World War II, committing to mutual assistance — including military support — in the event of an attack.
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“Recognizing the close alignment of their vital interests and convinced that no strategic threat to one exists without being a threat to the other, the parties affirm, as close allies, their deep commitment to mutual defense and will assist one another, including through military means, in the event of an armed attack,” the treaty states.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed the document at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Starmer said the agreement will become known as “the Kensington Treaty,” named after the location of the cultural institution.
Starmer called the pact “historic” and said it marks a new era in relations with Germany. Merz, for his part, expressed his desire to “work more closely” with the UK following its departure from the European Union.
During his visit, Merz pledged to introduce legislation targeting criminal networks operating from Germany that facilitate the transport of undocumented migrants to England — a key priority for the Labour government.
Beyond defense, the Bilateral Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation outlines plans for joint efforts in areas such as combating illegal immigration, addressing climate change, and promoting youth mobility.
In the area of defense, the document builds on the Trinity House Agreement, signed by the two nations in London on Oct. 23, 2024. That agreement included a commitment to jointly develop weapons systems, such as a Long-Range Precision Strike Capability with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers.
The United Kingdom and Germany also agreed to a strategic partnership on ground systems and continued cooperation on the BOXER armored vehicle program.
Thursday’s treaty — which must be ratified by both parliaments — further consolidates the London-Berlin-Paris defense triangle, following the recent Northwood Declaration between the U.K. and France. That declaration outlines coordination on the use of their nuclear arsenals in the event of an attack.
In the Kensington Treaty, London and Berlin reaffirm their commitment to NATO, aiming to “strengthen Euro-Atlantic security” amid rising strategic competition and “hybrid threats” to their democracies.
The countries also plan to cooperate on border security, with Germany easing airport transit for British travelers. A key component of the agreement is the commitment to increase exchanges between their citizens, particularly among young people and university students.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE