UK's PM Starmer & Germany’s Chancellor Merz speak - watch live youtu.be/3qijQAL7W9E?si…

UK's PM Starmer & Germany’s Chancellor Merz speak - watch live youtu.be/3qijQAL7W9E?si…

In a significant diplomatic move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed a bilateral friendship and cooperation treaty at a ceremony in the V&A museum in London on July 17, 2025 [1]. The treaty, dubbed the "Kensington Treaty," marks the first such agreement between the UK and Germany since the end of World War II. The signing ceremony was attended by Germany’s minister for foreign affairs Johann Wadephul and UK foreign secretary David Lammy.

Prime Minister Starmer described the treaty as a "very special" agreement, highlighting its historical significance. Chancellor Merz echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the treaty in fostering closer ties between the two nations. The treaty aims to strengthen economic, cultural, and political cooperation between the UK and Germany, with a particular focus on areas such as trade, technology, and environmental sustainability.

The signing of the treaty comes amidst a flurry of political activity in the UK. Key events include the government's plan to lower the voting age to 16 in the UK by the next general election, as well as ongoing debates about party donation rules and foreign influence in elections. The UK's unemployment rate has been rising, and wage growth has been slowing, indicating a weakening jobs market [2].

The SNP and the Green party have welcomed the move to allow votes at 16 in UK parliamentary elections, citing it as a step towards a stronger and more inclusive democracy. Liberal Democrats, however, have urged the government to go further and introduce proportional representation, arguing that the current system leaves many voters feeling unrepresented [3].

The treaty signing is expected to have significant implications for both the UK and Germany. It is hoped that the strengthened cooperation will lead to increased economic opportunities and a deeper integration of the two nations. The UK's economy, still recovering from the pandemic and the Brexit transition, stands to benefit from the enhanced trade and investment opportunities that the treaty may bring.

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2025/jul/17/keir-starmer-labour-rebels-friedrich-merz-germany-kemi-badenoch-conservatives-reform-nigel-farage-uk-politics-live-news?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-6878dc798f081f68b784188e
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2025/jul/17/keir-starmer-labour-rebels-friedrich-merz-germany-kemi-badenoch-conservatives-reform-nigel-farage-uk-politics-live-news?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-6878dc798f081f68b784188e
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2025/jul/17/keir-starmer-labour-rebels-friedrich-merz-germany-kemi-badenoch-conservatives-reform-nigel-farage-uk-politics-live-news?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-6878dc798f081f68b784188e