British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw on Friday to discuss deepening bilateral relations, NATO cooperation, and support for Ukraine.
The talks culminated in the announcement of plans to sign a new security and defence treaty later this year, highlighting a commitment to enhance collaboration on Baltic and North Sea security.
Starmer’s visit followed his trip to Ukraine, where he held discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In Poland, Starmer also received an outline of the country’s priorities as it assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Migration issues, mutual relations, and broader international security concerns were also high on the agenda.
Earlier in the day, Starmer visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial site with his wife, Victoria, who is Jewish. Reflecting on the experience, he shared his deep distress:
“Nothing could prepare me for the sheer horror of what I have seen in this place. It is utterly harrowing.”
Starmer vowed to combat the rise in antisemitism, referencing the increase in hate incidents since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. He acknowledged Labour’s past struggles with antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, reaffirming his commitment to addressing the issue.
The forthcoming UK-Poland treaty underscores both nations’ resolve to bolster security and defence cooperation in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
