Keir Starmer will greet Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to sign a treaty enhancing actions against smuggling, boosting defense exports, and fostering industrial collaboration. The treaty includes a commitment from Germany to criminalize unauthorized migration facilitation, targeting smuggling routes from German territory. UK law enforcement will gain authority to intervene against facilities linked to Channel crossings. The visit coincides with a focus on mutual security, including cyber threats, reinforcing the strategic importance of cooperation between the UK and Germany.
Keir Starmer will welcome Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to Downing Street on Thursday to sign a new bilateral treaty that promises tighter action on smuggling gangs, expanded defence exports and closer industrial ties between the UK and Germany.
The treaty includes a German commitment to make it illegal to facilitate unauthorised migration to the UK, closing off a key supply route used by smugglers operating from German territory.
UK officials say the new law, expected to be passed by the end of the year, will give police and prosecutors the tools to target warehouses and logistical hubs used to store small boats and engines linked to Channel crossings.
The treaty is expected to be focused on mutual security, including cyber and hybrid attacks, stating that there is no strategic threat to one which would not be a strategic threat to the other.
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