German Chancellor Merz and UK PM Starmer sign treaty to enhance defense, trade, and curb illegal migration.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will sign a friendship treaty in London, aimed at bolstering defense ties, combating illegal migration, and enhancing trade. The treaty includes a mutual defense pact and plans to develop long-range strike weapons. Merz will also commit to criminalizing the facilitation of illegal migration to the UK, granting authorities more power to investigate smuggling operations. The visit follows France's recent state visit to the UK, highlighting growing cooperation among European powers amid security concerns.