Britain and Germany Sign Landmark Defence Pact to Fortify European Security

Britain and Germany have signed a joint defence declaration to enhance their defence industries and bolster European security. The agreement, signed by Britain's defence minister, John Healey, aims to support Ukraine against Russian forces. The move signals the UK's commitment to deepening defence ties with EU allies under the new Labour government.

Britain and Germany signed a joint defence declaration on Wednesday, pledging to work more closely to strengthen their defence industries, reinforce European security, and support Ukraine in its fight to push back Russian forces. Britain's new defence minister, John Healey, signed the pact in Berlin, where he is expected to speak alongside his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, at a press conference at 1230 GMT.

Healey's visit is part of a two-day trip that includes stops in France, Poland, and Estonia as he sets out the new Labour government's commitment to deepen defence ties with allies in the European Union. 'These visits send a clear message that European security will be this government's first foreign and defence priority,' Healey said in a statement.

'Our new defence declaration between the UK and Germany will kickstart a deep, new defence relationship, built on our nations' shared values.' Britain's defence ministry said the two nations would also work together to tackle security challenges such as in the cyber domain.

New Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he wants Britain to boost cooperation with European allies on defence and security to better support Ukraine, a message he reiterated at a meeting of the European Political Community last week. Starmer has also proposed the idea of a UK-EU security pact, covering a range of areas such as energy, supply chains, pandemics, and migration.

(With inputs from agencies.)