Burnham to hold security talks with German chancellor in Berlin
The partnership will share security information and coordinate efforts to deter hostile activity, as Europe faces rising warnings about Russia-backed hybrid attacks.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met in Berlin on Thursday to launch a joint partnership countering sabotage and cyberattacks, formalizing the Kensington Treaty addressing rising hybrid threats.
- Russia's hybrid threat prompted the partnership, following an August attempted drone attack at Leipzig and Halle Airport which Germany concluded was orchestrated by Russia.
- Speaking ahead of the visit, Burnham said the British and German governments are "joining forces to find, expose and disrupt" threats, emphasizing that "attacks on our infrastructure, our businesses and our democracies are not a distant threat."
- Chancellor Merz faces persistent rumors of replacement due to poor approval ratings, while Prime Minister Burnham assumed office following the departure of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in July.
- Security discussions coincide with questions regarding Germany's reliability as an intelligence partner following the arrest of a former German spy chief on espionage suspicion, even as Burnham pursues closer ties with Europe.
123 Articles
123 Articles
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