UK and Germany team up against Russian cyberattacks as Brexit rethink looms

Britain and Germany are forming a partnership to combat cyberattacks, sabotage, and other hostile activities, particularly those originating from Russia, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. Under this new agreement, the two nations will exchange information and coordinate their efforts to monitor, deter, and disrupt potentially damaging actions, including threats to essential infrastructure.

The partnership expands on the Kensington Treaty, which was signed and ratified in July 2025, and focuses on defense, cybersecurity, technology, and economic security. Burnham is set to discuss Britain's relationship with the EU, potentially exploring options to rejoin the bloc, during his first face-to-face meeting with Merz. The Prime Minister suggests that Germany's support for stronger economic ties should precede a UK-EU summit on November 20.

Both governments are concerned about Russia's propensity for cyberattacks, sabotage, and other operations that, although not outright military confrontations, weaken and divide nations. Burnham emphasized that cyber threats have infiltrated people's homes and workplaces, making the UK and Germany weaker and more divided.

The collaboration builds upon existing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. However, the announcement does not provide specific details about operational aspects, such as the involvement of particular agencies, additional funding, or the methods employed to counter hostile operations. Recent warnings from European intelligence agencies and incidents, such as Germany's attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport in August and Britain's plans to designate state-backed organizations and proxy groups, highlight the growing intensity of Russia's activities.