A shared threat
The new counter-hybrid threat partnership is the latest step in UK-Germany cybersecurity cooperation. The UK government says both countries will share information and coordinate action to deter and disrupt hostile activity.
Across Europe, hybrid threats can include hacking, disinformation and even physical sabotage, making it harder to tell where peace ends and conflict begins. The partnership will also look at protecting essential services, something UK cybersecurity experts have been pushing for stronger safeguards around.
Mr Burnham argued that these attacks are "not a distant threat", but reach into homes and workplaces. They are also designed to leave countries weaker and more divided. He added that the UK and Germany will work together to expose and disrupt this activity. Russia has been identified as a particular source of cybersecurity concern.
Building on a landmark treaty
The talks between Mr Burnham and Mr Merz follow the 2025 Kensington Treaty, which was formally ratified today. The treaty commits both nations to closer work on science, technology, defence, security and growth. Beyond being Europe’s two largest economies, the UK and Germany are also its biggest investors in defence, so the new UK-Germany defence partnership is seen as a natural next step.
The UK and Germany look beyond cyber threats
Beyond security, the agenda includes other issues. The leaders will also discuss support for Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and the impact of disruption to global trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
They will also open a UK-Germany Regional Growth Forum, bringing together chief executives from both countries. The forum will focus on unlocking investment and strengthening industrial partnerships so the benefits reach communities in both nations. Germany is already the UK’s second largest trading partner and adds around £155 billion to the UK economy.
The UK steps up its defences
The UK government has fast-tracked a new law that gives the Home Secretary the power to name groups backed by a foreign state, along with their proxy groups, if they threaten national security. This will make it easier for police and intelligence agencies to stop anyone working for them.
Mr. Burnham has also asked security chiefs to set up a National Centre for Information Defence. It would detect and disrupt hostile state information attacks, including disinformation and deepfakes that damage British interests.
What’s next
The UK-Germany joint action on cyber sabotage is now a stated priority for both governments. The two countries say they will tackle these threats together.