Britain and Poland have signed a security and defence partnership treaty meant to enhance bilateral ties in those areas, as well as cooperation over energy and economic security.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk signed the agreement following talks in London on Wednesday.
The deal aims to enhance cooperation on foreign and security policy, defence, and security, including national and economic security, as well as energy and climate security cooperation.
In the treaty, the parties reaffirmed their intention to strengthen close cooperation in security and defence as well as prepare for the challenges facing both states and Europe as a whole.
In the text of the treaty, London and Warsaw called Russia the "most significant long-term threat" to European security and expressed the need to counter its "malign actions."
They declared their determination “to overcome these challenges by deepening their close co-operation as European neighbours and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Allies based on the strong ties that connect their States, peoples and governments and their shared history, values and interests."
Under the treaty, the UK and Poland also reaffirmed their "ironclad commitment" to NATO as the bedrock of their security, and the foundation of collective defence of the Euro-Atlantic area, as well as reaffirming their commitment to European unity and responsibility in matters of security and defence.
They committed to deepen cooperation in international security and foreign policy in order to support international peace and security.
The parties, building on a 2017 treaty and 2023 joint declaration, agreed to deepen their defence cooperation, with the aim of strengthening the security of the Euro-Atlantic region, recognising that regional security is inseparable from the security of both parties.
Recognising the mutually reinforcing benefits of ensuring security of supply for national programs and creating a reliable pipeline of orders for defence companies, both countries are committed to greater alignment of defence industrial and export strategies, allowing for future partnerships.
"Long live the Polish-British alliance! The Northolt Treaty has been signed," Tusk wrote on X following the treaty’s signing.
Starmer's Office also said: "Today’s treaty strengthens our cooperation, boosts joint capabilities, and reinforces our commitment to NATO. Standing together, we are secure at home and strong abroad."
