Jake Lapham
Live reporter

Image source, PA Media

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has wrapped up his visit to Germany and is now heading to Paris where he'll meet France's Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.

We'll shortly be closing our live coverage but for now here are the key moments from the PM's meeting with Chancellor Scholz:

• The UK and Germany hope to sign a new bilateral treaty “by early next year”, according to a joint declaration, external released after the meeting on “deepening and enhancing” relations
• Starmer said the plans are part of a wider "reset" of relations with the European Union

• The treaty, though, will not mean "reversing Brexit" or re-entering the single market, the PM said
• He argued that it will "deliver for working people", having a flow on effects on areas including trade, business and technology

• It will contain a joint action plan to tackle illegal migration, but won't have a youth mobility scheme, the prime minister said

• Starmer expressed sympathy for the German people following the attack in Solingen on Friday, in which three people were killed

• Both Starmer and Scholz reaffirmed their ongoing support for Ukraine "for as long as it takes" and "the need for de-escalation" across the Middle East

You can read our full write up and analysis on what unfolded today here. Thanks for joining us.

Hannah Miller
Political correspondent

This is the fifth time Keir Starmer has met the German chancellor since he became prime minister last month.

His attempt to reset relations with European neighbours has been a central theme of his first few weeks in office.

But it remains unclear what, if anything, the UK will have to give in order to get the closer collaboration that Keir Starmer seeks.

The treaty announced with Germany today is purely bilateral, and on defence it is possible to see how a framework could develop.

The UK already has bilateral defence treaties with France, for example.

But how feasible will it really be to deepen trade ties, where the context of Germany being in the EU is impossible to ignore.

It was striking to hear Starmer reiterate publicly that his government has no plans to agree to an EU proposal that could allow young people to live in the UK for up to four years - and vice versa.

His commitment to closer relations with European leaders is real, but it only goes so far – conscious of the political landscape at home.

The UK and Germany have published a joint declaration following this morning’s meeting between Starmer and Scholz.

The language echoes what the two leaders said in their news conference, and sets out in writing the intention to "take our bilateral relations to the next level", external.

The declaration says the pair hope to sign a new bilateral co-operation treaty "by early next year".

The deal will reflect the "breadth" of the two countries' bilateral relationship, it says, but makes clear it will need to be "in full accordance with Germany’s membership of the EU, and the UK’s relationship with the EU".

A new defence agreement – for which work is already under way – will be a "key pillar" of the treaty, it says, adding "joint priorities" include economic growth, cooperating on law enforcement, youth and education, energy security, environmental policy, transport and infrastructure, technology and research and innovation.

Henry Zeffman
Chief political correspondent, reporting from Berlin

Asked about the possibility of student exchanges between the UK and Germany when speaking to journalists in Berlin, the prime minister instead emphasised his discussions with Scholz on illegal migration.

Keir Starmer said: “The focus was on the bilateral treaty that we want to develop and the most substantive part of that in the end turned out to be the illegal migration joint work that we can do together, which is obviously important to me.

"We want a close relationship of course, and I do think that can extend across defence, security, education and cultural exchange, and of course trade. But we didn’t go into the details of that today.”

Henry Zeffman
Chief political correspondent, reporting from Berlin

Image source, PA Media

Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that his planned treaty with Germany has “nothing to do with youth mobility”.

Speaking off-camera to journalists following his news conference with Olaf Scholz, the prime minister said:

He continued: “In relation to youth mobility, obviously we’ve been really clear - no single market, no customs union, no free movement, no going back into the EU.

"So the discussion about a closer relationship with the EU is in that context and within those frameworks. I’m convinced, and I think you heard from the chancellor himself, that we can have a close relationship notwithstanding those clear red lines that we’ve got, and we’ve always had.”

Let's take a look at what Prime Minister Keir Starmer had to say about Brexit in the context of the wider reset with Europe he pledged today in Berlin.

The PM was questioned about how he would achieve the closer relationship with the EU that he wants, and what concessions the UK might need to make.

Asked whether it could mean free movement for young Germans, Starmer said: "I'm absolutely clear we do want a reset [with Europe]... with the EU.

"That does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union. But it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, including defence, including exchanges.

"But we do not have plans for the youth mobility scheme but do have plans for closer relationship between us and the EU."

Jennifer McKiernan
Political reporter

Image source, PA Media

The promised reset in relations with the EU on immigration has taken a step forward with today's treaty discussions in Germany.

Keir Starmer pledged a new approach to stopping small boat crossings during the election, including immediately scrapping Rishi Sunak's Rwanda deportation plan.

Part of that approach meant redirecting Rwanda funds towards a new Border agency - with the hiring of 100 new staff under way - although the new UK Border Security Command chief has not yet been unveiled.

But another key aspect is around the post-Brexit relationship with EU countries, from deeper security co-operation between police to more returns agreements with countries including France.

Today, Starmer has indicated there has been progress on intelligence sharing between police forces, announcing a joint action plan to crack down on people-smuggling gangs.

Could the rapid agreement of this part of the deal with the EU's largest member suggest positive negotiations around those returns agreements as well?

That remains to be seen but would significantly smooth the path towards Home Secretary Yvette Cooper's ambition to increase returns flights by at least 3,000 people this year.

Not yet clear how improved UK-EU relations can help 'working people'published at 12:09 British Summer Time 28 August

12:09 BST 28 August

James Landale
Diplomatic correspondent

What was striking about Sir Keir Starmer’s press conference in Germany was his attempt to link his foreign policy with his domestic policy.

He said: “Growth is the number one priority for my government... and building relations with our partners here in Germany and across Europe is vital to achieving it."

He spoke of a “shared determination to harness the power of government for the service of working people, and that’s what we are doing today: a new UK Germany treaty, a once-in-a-generation chance to deliver for working people in Britain and in Germany”.

He claimed deeper links in science, technology, development, business and culture would help “boost trading relations” and forge more chances “to create jobs here and in the UK”.

Successive UK governments have tried to tie what they do abroad with their strategies at home but most fail.

This is the most explicit attempt I have heard from a prime minister for some time to claim his diplomacy is designed to help “working people” in the UK.

The problem is that it is not yet clear how much improved bilateral relations with European nations can boost the UK economy when post-Brexit rules determine how and what we trade with the EU as a whole.

Opinion polls also suggest voters can be reluctant to see a link between governments’ domestic and global policies, treating the two as largely distinct, despite the longstanding impact of global wars, migration and climate change on life at home.

Image source, Reuters

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German chancellor Olaf Scholz have just finished speaking at a news conference in Berlin, where they talked of a "bright new future for UK-German relations".

Together they announced:

• A new UK-Germany treaty to benefit areas like science, technology, development, trade and business. Starmer called it a "once-in-a-generation chance to deliver for working people"
• A joint action plan to tackle illegal migration and enhance intelligence on organised immigration

• A commitment to Ukraine "for as long as it takes". Both leaders said there are "no new decisions" from the UK or Germany in regards to weaponry donated by both countries to Ukraine
• Starmer said the new treaty between the UK and Germany is part of a wider reset, and adds that he hopes it will be agreed by the end of the year
• The UK prime minister added that a reset in relations between the UK and EU "would not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or Customs Union"

In the news conference a few moments ago, we heard Chancellor Olaf Scholz begin by speaking in English, welcoming Keir Starmer to Berlin.

Click the video below to hear Scholz's take on the relationship between the two countries.

Chancellor Scholz says "he 'can't go back to daily business" after the fatal Solingen attack in which three people were killed.

Scholz says officials are "continuing efforts to contain irregular migration into Germany", and that the perpetrator in the knife attack was "supposed to be deported to Bulgaria", and investigations into why that didn't happen are ongoing.

He adds, though, that Germany relies on immigration and the 20 million people who have been well integrated into the country is a "success story."

Starmer adds that his priority with irregular migration is s to "take down the gangs running the vile trade putting people in dangerous situations", and it is important the UK "takes back control" of borders.

He announces that a joint action plan, dealing with data intelligence sharing, has been agreed today.

The news conference with Starmer and Scholz has just finished - with the pair discussing the topic of immigration as their final point.

Stay with us as we bring you the latest lines on that.

Image source, Getty Images

Starmer is asked if US objections are preventing Ukraine using longer-range missiles to hit targets in Russia, and what discussions has he had with Scholz on lifting restrictions on the use of weapons in Russia.

The PM says he is not going to discuss tactical issues around the use of weapons but says no new decisions have been taken.

Scholz says his country will continue to support Ukraine, and he also says his government has not taken any new decisions related to supplying weapons.

A member of the German media asks how Starmer plans to bridge the capability gap in Ukraine.

By way of context, this is referring to shortfalls in Ukraine's ability to combat Russian aggression, particularly when it comes to supplies of weapons, equipment and ammunition.

Starmer says the UK, along with key allies, does already provide support and weaponry.

He says there has been no change in position on capability, and the UK's contribution is consistent with that made before the election.

Starmer says he has been "absolutely clear" that he wants a reset in relations between the UK and EU and that the bilateral treaty meeting today is moving at pace.

Starmer clarifies that the reset with the EU "would not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or Customs Union".

He adds that there are no plans for a youth mobility scheme but there are plans for "a closer relationship".

Image source, Getty Images

Starmer says the new treaty between the UK and Germany is part of a wider reset, and adds that he hopes it will be agreed by the end of the year.

Starmer now turns to global conflict, including the war in Ukraine, which he says was discussed in detail during his meeting with Scholz.

He says the pair reaffirmed their commitment to stand with Ukraine.

Starmer also comments on the war in Gaza, and expresses support for Israel's right to defend itself, the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.

Starmer says the UK and Germany plan to deepen co-operation on shared social challenges such as immigration.

He says the government cannot tackle smuggling gangs without the help of partners.

He says both countries have agreed to develop a joint action plan to tackle illegal migration and will enhance intelligence on organised immigration.

Starmer is now outlining what he describes as a "new UK-Germany treaty", that he calls a "once-in-a-generation chance to deliver for working people".

The treaty is a testament to the depth and potential of our relationship, he says.

Starmer says he hopes it will benefit areas like science, technology, development, trade and business.

"Growth is the number one mission of my government," he says.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is now speaking. He starts by expressing his condolences following Friday’s stabbing in Solingen, in which three people died.