💨 Abstract

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on his first official visit, will sign a treaty on Thursday to enhance defense ties and law enforcement cooperation to combat migrant smuggling. Starmer's key focus is addressing the increase in people crossing the English Channel in small boats, with over 57,000 crossings in 2024 and the first half of 2025.

Courtesy: WTOP Staff