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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Kate Devlin

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.

IN FULL

I deplore Brexit, German chancellor admits as he signs new treaty with Starmer

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