The leaders of France, Germany and Britain are building parallel diplomatic institutions to defend Europe as President Trump retreats from the continent.

Sir Keir Starmer has told how he was “very concerned” over smuggling routes through Germany. The Prime Minister and the German chancellor held a press conference today after signing the first treaty between the nations since the Second World War.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer hinted the UK may join Germany in purchasing weapons from the US to give to Ukraine, as western allies seek to shore up the conflict-torn nation’s defenses in its war against Russian invaders.

Germany’s leader will use a London visit Thursday to finalize a wide-ranging pact that goes big on security cooperation.

Friedrich Merz has admitted that Europe has historically underfunded its own security and instead relied heavily on the United States. The German Chancellor met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the UK on Thursday to sign a treaty on a range of issues, such as defence and immigration.

Brits and Germans alike will benefit from a closer partnership on the issues that matter most to them according to the Government, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a comprehensive visit to London today (Thursday 17 July) to revamp the UK-Germany friendship and sign a Bilateral Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.