UK and Poland unite to launch landmark defence and security pact

17 January 2025, 11:08

The UK and Poland will start work on a new defence and security agreement on Friday, when Sir Keir Starmer travels to the eastern European country for talks.
The UK and Poland will start work on a new defence and security agreement on Friday, when Sir Keir Starmer travels to the eastern European country for talks. Picture: Alamy
EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to begin talks with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk today to launch a new UK-Poland Defence and Security Treaty.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The agreement aims to address shared threats, including Russian aggression in Ukraine, people smuggling gangs, and hybrid threats like disinformation campaigns.

Sir Keir emphasised the importance of this collaboration, stating: “The UK and Poland are longstanding allies and our cooperation stretches back for generations.  

“With ever-increasing threats to Europe’s security, now is the time to take our partnership to the next level, so we can ensure we’re tackling the big issues that rebound on the British people at home – from Putin’s aggression to the vile people smuggling gangs trading in human misery."

The treaty, which aligns with the UK’s broader aim of resetting its relationship with Europe, will bolster military cooperation, secure energy supplies, and safeguard critical infrastructure. It will also enhance joint efforts to combat illegal migration and organised immigration crime.

Read more: 'Send British troops to Ukraine to keep peace after war ends', former Defence Secretaries urge

Read more: Poland reinforces border with Russia as Zelenskyy raises hope of peace deal and Trump prepares to take office

Polish Border Guard members stay guard next to anti-tank concrete fortifications near the border with Russia
Polish Border Guard members stay guard next to anti-tank concrete fortifications near the border with Russia. Picture: Getty

The agreement builds on a long history of military cooperation between the two nations, including joint projects such as the MIECZNIK AH140 Frigate Programme and the NAREW Ground-Based Air Defence Programme.

In a significant development, a new UK-Poland Joint Programme Office will open in Bristol this year, staffed by personnel from both countries, to deliver Poland’s next-generation air defence system.

Alongside security discussions, Sir Keir will meet Polish business leaders in Warsaw to strengthen economic ties. Polish logistics firm InPost has announced an additional £600 million investment in the UK, bringing its total investment to £1 billion by 2029.

This expansion will support up to 12,000 new jobs and grow the UK’s e-commerce infrastructure.

Bilateral trade between the UK and Poland reached £30.6 billion in 2024, with British exports to Poland supporting around 75,000 UK jobs.

Starmer's trip to Poland comes just one day after his tour of Ukraine
Starmer's trip to Poland comes just one day after his tour of Ukraine. Picture: Getty

This is part of a wider wave of investments into the UK, including £14 billion in AI, £4 billion from Malaysian firm YTL, and a £50 million investment deal with JATCO and Nissan to create hundreds of jobs in the North East.

The treaty discussions follow Sir Keir’s visit to Ukraine, where he pledged continued support for the country amid ongoing Russian aggression. Sir Keir stated: “It is only through closer collaboration with our most important partners such as Poland that we’ll protect the UK’s national security – the key foundation on which I’ll deliver my Plan for Change.”

With talks expected to continue throughout the month, this treaty represents a significant step in uniting European allies against shared challenges and securing the UK’s place on the global stage.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The bodies of Andrew Searle and his wife Dawn were discovered by a neighbour in Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, on Thursday afternoon.

Mysterious death of British couple in French villa suspected murder-suicide as investigators consider new theories

David Schwimmer has called for Elon Musk to ban Kanye West from X

Friends star David Schwimmer calls for Kanye West to be banned from X over 'hate-filled, ignorant' remarks

The NTSB recovers the debris of a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk involved in a mid-air collision near DCA in Arlington, VA.

All major parts of DC plane and Black Hawk helicopter involved in mid-air collision recovered, investigators confirm

A Thai hostage who was freed from Hamas, Pongsak Thaenna, hugs a relative upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport

'We never gave up hope': Freed Thai hostages in tears of joy as they reunite with families after more than a year

Harry and Meghan at the opening ceremony for the Invictus Games.

Meghan and Prince Harry cheer on Team UK at Invictus Games opening ceremony

Daisy the Labrador.

Stolen dog reunited with family after seven years

Irish boxer John Cooney.

Boxer dies from a brain bleed, from injury during championship fight

'Make Europe Great Again' Rally In Madrid

'Make Europe Great Again': Far-right European political leaders praise Trump at Madrid meeting

Kanye West.

Rapper Kanye West advertises t-shirt featuring a Nazi swastika, after 'antisemitic rampage' on X

Andrew Gwynne.

Minister sacked after posting he hoped 'pensioner who didn’t vote Labour would die' in WhatsApp group

Police officers hold back protesters trying to block the road.

Two arrested as protesters clash with police outside proposed site for new Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London

Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

'She's terrible': Trump takes swipe at Meghan, but will not deport Prince Harry

Freed Palestinian prisoners are greeted by a crowd as they arrive in the Gaza Strip after being released from an Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.

Emotional scenes in West Bank and Gaza as Palestinians reunited with their families after release from Israeli prisons

Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King.

'She was grateful for life': parents of Southport stabbing victims pay tribute to their children

Israeli hostage reunited with his family.

Emotional moment Israeli hostages reunite with families after being paraded on stage by Hamas

Police officers hold back protesters trying to block the road at the rally.

Protesters clash with police as thousands rally outside proposed site for new Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London