UK and Poland sign new defence and security treaty

The leaders of the United Kingdom and Poland formalized a new defence and security treaty in London on Wednesday, describing the pact as a generational upgrade to their partnership in response to shared threats, particularly from Russia. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, signed the agreement at RAF Northolt before visiting the nearby Battle of Britain Bunker museum to lay a commemorative wreath.

Officials said the treaty is designed to protect borders, tackle organized crime, and bolster collective defences while deepening cooperation with the European Union. Both leaders framed the agreement as a necessary response to contemporary security challenges. Starmer stated that Russian aggression represents the greatest challenge for both nations, impacting security beyond Ukraine. He called the treaty the biggest step forward in defence and security relations with Poland in a generation, enabling both countries to confront modern threats that may be less visible but no less dangerous.

Tusk, speaking through an interpreter, thanked Starmer for his commitment to defending shared values such as rule of law, democracy, and solidarity. He described the...