The Prime Minister engaged in discussions with Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany in Berlin today, highlighting the robust partnership between the UK and Germany established under the Kensington Treaty. Both leaders expressed their commitment to elevating their ambitions for the next phase of this collaboration.
During their meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed solidarity with Germany in light of the recent attempted Russian drone attack at Leipzig airport. They concurred on the necessity for a strong, unified European response to Russia’s hybrid threats. Furthermore, they welcomed the formation of a new UK-Germany partnership aimed at enhancing information sharing, contingency planning, and crisis management. The leaders identified an opportunity to extend their cooperation in countering the dissemination of malicious misinformation that undermines the resilience of Europe’s democracies.
Reinforcing Support for Ukraine and Addressing Russian Aggression
The Prime Minister and Chancellor Merz reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine, engaging in discussions about strategies to secure a just and enduring peace. They recognised the imperative of maintaining pressure on Russia throughout the winter months to deter further aggression.
Additionally, the leaders explored the possibility of German involvement in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which aims to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet. They acknowledged that closer defence collaboration not only serves the interests of their nations but also benefits their allies, committing to direct their teams to further investigate this strategic initiative.
Collaboration on Migration and Illegal Activities
On the topic of migration, both leaders agreed that effective cooperation is crucial in addressing illegal migration and the criminal networks that facilitate it. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Chancellor Merz for the efforts of German law enforcement in combating smuggling operations. They both welcomed the recent meeting between the Home Secretary and Interior Minister Dobrindt, agreeing to continue discussions aimed at fostering deeper collaboration in this area.
The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to forging a stronger and more ambitious partnership with the European Union, focusing on delivering tangible benefits for citizens and businesses both domestically and across Europe. He emphasised the significance of a successful UK-EU Summit scheduled for later this year, outlining the clear advantages that would arise, from job creation to economic growth, as the UK and EU work collectively to enhance European industry, security, and resilience.
Addressing Shared Challenges in Industry
The discussions also encompassed the common challenges faced by British and European industries, underlining the necessity for a collective response. The Prime Minister and Chancellor Merz agreed to advance the priorities outlined during their talks, expressing anticipation for convening their respective cabinets for joint consultations next year.
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