The United Kingdom and Poland signed a new defence and security treaty in London on May 27, 2026 [1].
The agreement marks a significant shift in British foreign policy as the government seeks to deepen cooperation with European Union members. By strengthening ties with Poland, the UK aims to create a more robust deterrent against Russian aggression in Eastern Europe.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met in the capital to formalize the pact. The treaty is designed to address modern security threats and facilitate closer military coordination between the two nations. This move comes as part of a broader effort by Starmer to rebuild diplomatic and security bridges with Europe following the 2016 [2] Brexit referendum.
"This is a generational uplift in the UK's defence and security ties to Poland," Starmer said.
The pact emphasizes shared intelligence and joint security operations to combat the influence of an increasingly aggressive Russia. Officials said that the treaty allows the UK to be more agile in responding to threats on the continent. The partnership focuses on long-term stability, and the protection of sovereign borders within the European region.
"A new defence treaty with Poland will allow the UK to confront modern security threats," Starmer said.
The signing ceremony reflects a strategic pivot toward bilateral security agreements that complement existing NATO obligations. By formalizing this relationship, both nations intend to synchronize their defence procurement and training exercises. This cooperation is intended to serve as a signal of unity to adversaries in the east — ensuring that security gaps are closed through direct diplomatic and military engagement.
“This is a generational uplift in the UK's defence and security ties to Poland.”
This treaty signifies a strategic effort by the UK government to move beyond the diplomatic isolation of the post-Brexit era. By anchoring its security architecture to Poland, a frontline state in the face of Russian aggression, the UK is reasserting its role as a primary security guarantor in Europe. This bilateral approach allows the UK to maintain a high level of influence and operational presence in the EU without requiring a formal return to the union.
