19 h. ago Merz calls for UK, Germany and France to align on migration and defence

German chancellor’s proposal for strategic axis comes as London and Berlin sign first treaty since second world warThe German chancellor has called for a strategic axis between London, Paris and Berlin to tackle illegal migration and deepen defence cooperation, despite declaring that he “deeply deplores” Brexit.Friedrich Merz appeared alongside Keir Starmer at a press conference in Stevenage after the signing of the Kensington treaty, the first formal pact between the UK and Germany since the second world war. The agreement, signed at the V&A Museum and followed by a meeting at Downing Street, sets out plans for closer cooperation on migration, defence, trade and education, including a framework for school exchanges.A mutual assistance clause on national security, including shared recognition that Russia poses “the most significant and direct threat” to both countries.Joint procurement and development of defence technologies including Typhoon jets, Boxer vehicles and long-range ...

Politics

49 h. ago Keir Starmer 'deeply concerned' about Alexander Dennis and 'working to get future bus orders'

The Prime Minister said he is "working with mayors and local leaders to develop a pipeline of future orders for zero emission buses".

Politics

9 d. ago QUENTIN LETTS: Ten minutes in, Macron's accent was becoming a touch 'Allo 'Allo. By the end we were in Inspector Clouseau territory

Quel sac de vent. Macron gave a long, sticky speech to parliament in which he waggled his hips at the front row's Sir Keir Starmer - 'deer Keer!' - and ticked us off about 'deeply regrettable' Brexit.

Politics

2 w. ago Voices: I thought I knew what Keir Starmer believed – now, it’s anyone’s guess

It was unwise of the prime minister to say he ‘deeply regrets’ the ‘island of strangers’ phrase, writes John Rentoul – but even more so to admit that he doesn’t always properly read his own speeches before delivering them

Politics

3 w. ago Keir Starmer admits he 'deeply regrets' his 'island of strangers' immigration remark

Keir Starmer said he and his advisors were unaware of similarities between his words and Enoch Powell's vile Rivers of Blood speech - saying he said it hours after his family home was targeted by arsonists

Politics

3 w. ago Keir Starmer says he 'deeply regrets' his 'island of strangers' warning about risks of uncontrolled immigration

Keir Starmer made the jibe in a speech last month, seen as marking a tough new approach to combat the political threat posed by Reform.

Events

3 w. ago Starmer says he ‘deeply regrets’ using ‘island of strangers’ phrase

The Prime Minister said he had been ‘really shaken up’ after an alleged arson attack on his family home hours before the speech.

Politics