UK will 'work ever more closely' with Germany - Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hailed the "closeness" of the UK and Germany, as the two nations signed a treaty that is set to free up school exchange visits and passport e-gates.

Mr Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed the deal - to be known as the Kensington Treaty - at the V&A Museum on London, as the British Prime Minister said they will look to "work ever more closely" on issues such as trade, security and defence.

The leaders agreed to "reinforce Euro-Atlantic security" and support their defence forces, in an agreement was also signed by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister told Mr Merz: "It's a privilege to have you here today, particularly to sign this Kensington Treaty, which is a very special treaty, because it’s the first of its kind ever, if you can believe it, between our two countries."

Mr Starmer described it as "evidence of the closeness of our relationship as it stands today" as well as a "statement of intent, a statement of our ambition to work ever more closely together".

The document details the UK and German agreement to "reinforce Euro-Atlantic security and ensure effective deterrence against potential aggressors" through their defence forces, as well as looking to improving defence cooperation in the future.

It also reaffirms support for NATO and NATO allies.

As part of today’s deal, Berlin has agreed to allow some arriving UK passengers to use passport e-gates.

The move will initially be available for frequent travellers and is due to be in place by the end of August.

The treaty also includes the UK and Germany agreeing to establish a taskforce aimed at paving the way for direct train services between the countries.

It is hoped services could begin within the next decade.

The treaty also says that the two nations "value bilateral school and youth exchanges" and will help make them work.