Travel News
Trains could soon run from London to Berlin after new UK-Germany treaty is signed - THE STANDARD
BY Megan Howe
A new UK-Germany treaty could pave the way for direct trains between London and Berlin, promising faster travel for millions across Europe.
The Kensington Treaty, signed on Thursday by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also includes opening e-gates for frequent travellers between the two countries and expanded school exchange programmes.
It comes nearly a decade after Britain voted to leave the European Union, signalling a fresh push to renew friendships with European allies.
Downing Street said the move would help German authorities trace and shut down warehouses used by smugglers to hide small boats destined for illegal Channel crossings to the UK.
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More than 21,000 people have arrived in the UK so far this year by crossing the Channel in small boats — up 56% on the same period last year.
A joint taskforce will be established between governments over the next decade, bringing together transport experts to examine how to establish the necessary border and security controls for direct long-distance rail passenger services.
The taskforce will examine commercial and technical requirements, including safety standards, border arrangements and collaboration with rail operators to make the direct services a reality.
Mr Merz met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington for the signing ceremony.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the rail link could offer an alternative to flying within the next decade.
"We're pioneering a new era of European rail connectivity and are determined to put Britain at the heart of a better-connected continent," she said.
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"The Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie - in just a matter of years, rail passengers in the UK could be able to visit these iconic sights direct from the comfort of a train, thanks to a direct connection linking London and Berlin.
"This landmark agreement - part of a new treaty the prime minister [has signed] with Chancellor Merz today - has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying."
Over £200 million in new commercial investment, expected to generate over 600 jobs, has been announced and a new UK-Germany Business Forum has been established.
Defence and security were also key parts of the discussions, including support for Ukraine as well as a new agreement on the joint export of co-produced military equipment.
The agreement on equipment such as Boxer armoured vehicles and Typhoon jets is likely to lead to billions of pounds of additional defence exports in the coming years, Downing Street said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Prime Minister told Mr Merz: "It's a privilege to have you here today, particularly to sign this Kensington Treaty, which is a very special treaty, because it's the first of its kind ever, if you can believe it, between our two countries."
Sir Keir described it as "evidence of the closeness of our relationship as it stands today" as well as a "statement of intent, a statement of our ambition to work ever more closely together".
This partnership builds on both countries' commitment to decarbonising transport and promoting sustainable mobility solutions across Europe.
It follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Transport Secretary and Swiss Federal Councillor, Albert Rosti earlier this year.
