Burnham plans first Berlin visit for talks with Merz
The U.K. and Germany have built up closer ties — especially in defense — over the last two years.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to travel to Berlin in early October for discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to sources familiar with the preparations. This will be Burnham's first visit to Germany since assuming office in July, and it provides an opportunity for the two leaders to bolster ties between Britain and Germany as part of their government's renewed focus on European partnerships.
Both Downing Street and the German chancellery have not commented on the planned trip. Burnham assumed leadership following the resignation of Keir Starmer, whose administration faced challenges from electoral defeats, internal Labour Party conflicts, and declining public support. Merz, whose Christian Democrats experienced setbacks in recent state elections, now has a far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), gaining national support.
The October meeting offers an early chance to demonstrate that the strengthened ties between Britain and Germany can persist under new leadership in both nations.
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