The Kensington Treaty
In July 2025, current Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed the Kensington Treaty with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which marked a major moment in UK foreign policy. This is the first major bilateral agreement between Britain and Germany since World War II and is designed to improve cooperation after years of post-Brexit uncertainty. The treaty covers a wide range of areas, including defence collaboration, intelligence sharing, and easier travel for citizens, such as allowing British passport holders to use e-gates at German airports and expanding student exchange programmes, which we had previously seen a huge decrease in.
The Kensington Treaty is especially significant because it signals the UK’s renewed commitment to European cooperation, despite being outside the EU. It also sets out plans for long-term projects like building a direct rail link between the UK and Germany within the next decade. For students, this could mean more opportunities for studying and working abroad. Politically, it strengthens the UK’s position in international diplomacy and shows that Starmer’s Labour government is taking a more collaborative, outward-looking approach than its predecessors.
The treaty also has significant implications for lawyers, especially those working in international law, constitutional law and immigration law. For example lawyers may need to advise on mobility rights and visa arrangements especially for students or researchers. Finally, it is a good example of how international deals can affect UK laws and policies without needing the EU, showing the importance of treaty law and foreign affairs in a post Brexit context.