Burnham meets Merz in Berlin to discuss foreign sabotage and cyber attacks

• Prime minister Andy Burnham has arrived in Berlin to meet German chancellor Friedrich Merz , formally launching a UK- Germany security partnership designed to counter cyber attacks, sabotage, and hybrid threats from foreign adversaries, particularly Russia .
• The official visit marks the formal ratification of the Kensington Treaty, committing both nations to enhanced long-term co-operation in defence, security, technology, science, and economic development.
• Burnham and Merz are hosting a UK-Germany regional growth forum with prominent business leaders to unlock cross-border investment and ensure economic growth benefits communities across both countries.
• The diplomatic summit coincides with a major German intelligence scandal following the arrest of former spy chief August Hanning and his ex-chief of staff on suspicion of treasonous espionage.
• The leaders' discussions on national security follow recent high-profile hybrid attacks, including a defused explosive drone plot targeting Ukrainian cargo planes at Leipzig airport.