UK and Germany Unite: New Defence Pact to Boost European Security

Britain and Germany have signed a joint defence declaration, aiming to strengthen their defence industries and European security, as well as support Ukraine against Russian forces. Britain's new defence minister, John Healey, and his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, signed the pact in Berlin during Healey's European tour to deepen defence ties.

On Wednesday, Britain and Germany entered a joint defence declaration aimed at fortifying their defence industries, enhancing European security, and supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian forces.

Britain's new defence minister, John Healey, signed the agreement in Berlin alongside German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The signing is a key moment in Healey's two-day European tour, which includes visits to France, Poland, and Estonia. This tour underscores the new Labour government's commitment to strengthening defence relationships with EU allies.

'These visits send a clear message that European security will be this government's first foreign and defence priority,' said Healey. He described the declaration as a foundation for a deepened defence partnership based on shared values between the UK and Germany. The agreement focuses on nurturing Europe's defence industrial base and enhancing joint procurement and innovation initiatives. New Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed this commitment to cooperation with European allies at a recent European Political Community meeting.

(With inputs from agencies.)