PM meeting with Chancellor Merz of Germany: 8 October 2026
The UK Prime Minister and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met in Berlin to strengthen bilateral ties, address security threats, and explore deeper defence and migration cooperation.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor Merz of Germany met in Berlin to reaffirm the UK-Germany partnership under the Kensington Treaty. They agreed to set ambitious goals for the next phase of collaboration, emphasising shared values and strategic alignment. The leaders expressed solidarity with Germany following a recent Russian drone attack at Leipzig airport, condemning hybrid threats against European security.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor Merz discussed countering Russian hybrid threats, including misinformation targeting European democracies. They agreed to enhance information sharing, contingency planning, and crisis response mechanisms. Both leaders reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine and stressed the need to maintain pressure on Russia during the coming winter months.
Discussions included potential German participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a 6th generation stealth fighter project. The leaders acknowledged that closer defence collaboration aligns with the interests of both nations and their allies. They tasked their teams to explore further opportunities in this area.
On migration, the leaders highlighted the importance of joint efforts to combat illegal migration and dismantle smuggling networks. The Prime Minister commended German law enforcement for disrupting criminal gangs, while both agreed to deepen cooperation following a recent meeting between UK and German interior ministers. They also discussed strengthening the UK-EU partnership to deliver practical benefits for citizens and businesses.