I deplore Brexit, German chancellor admits as he signs new treaty with Starmer
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UK and Germany sign key deal as part of Brexit ‘reset’
- Sir Keir Starmer and German leader Friedrich Merz signed the Kensington Treaty, the most significant UK-German co-operation deal since the Second World War.
- The treaty focuses on enhanced collaboration in migration, trade, and security, marking a notable improvement in Anglo-German relations.
- Key provisions include Germany closing a loophole to allow police to seize small boats used by migrants, and visa-free travel for German school trips to the UK by year-end.
- British visitors will gain access to German passport e-gates by the end of August, initially for frequent travellers, as part of Sir Keir's wider Brexit 'reset'.
- Despite the new agreement, Mr Merz expressed his personal regret over Brexit, while recent polls indicate a majority in Germany and other EU nations would welcome the UK back into the bloc.