Merz calls for UK, Germany and France to align on migration and defence

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed the Kensington Treaty, a historic agreement that deepens cooperation in migration, defence, trade and education. The treaty envisages a strategic axis between London, Paris and Berlin to tackle illegal migration, counter Russian threats, advance defence technology and broaden cultural exchanges, while tightening laws against Channel smuggling. The pact signals a push for stronger European coordination amid global uncertainty.