UK Prime Minister Starmer Hosts Polish President Nawrocki to Deepen Bilateral Ties

Leaders Affirm Strong UK-Poland Partnership

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Polish President Karol Nawrocki to Downing Street for a high-level meeting aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. This marked President Nawrocki's first visit to London since assuming office in August 2025. The leaders reflected on the enduring strength of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Poland, agreeing to further enhance cooperation across various sectors.

Enhanced Defence and Security Cooperation

A significant focus of the discussions was on bolstering defence and security collaboration. Both leaders committed to deepening cooperation on air and missile defence, with an emphasis on countering airborne threats and addressing Russia's long-term military posture. Prime Minister Starmer highlighted that the increasingly close cooperation on defence projects benefits both the bilateral relationship and broader European security.

Key agreements in the defence sphere include:

• Exploring options for the joint development and procurement of new air and missile defence capabilities.
• Increasing the use of virtual and synthetic training environments to improve coordination between air defence forces.
• Expanding helicopter training links under NATO Flight Training Europe. From this summer, eight Polish military helicopter pilots will commence advanced training in the UK at RAF Shawbury, supported by two experienced Polish instructors.

Defence Secretary John Healey underscored the robust nature of the UK-Poland defence relationship, describing Poland as a 'crucial ally' on NATO's eastern flank in an era of rising threats.

Broader Bilateral and International Agenda

Beyond defence, the leaders agreed to deepen relations in areas such as trade, commerce, and education. The situation in Ukraine also featured prominently in their talks. Both Prime Minister Starmer and President Nawrocki affirmed the importance of securing a just and lasting peace in the country, with the Russia-Ukraine war nearing its four-year mark. The UK Prime Minister extended gratitude to President Nawrocki for Poland's ongoing involvement in discussions surrounding Ukraine's security guarantees.

Looking Ahead

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing the strategic alliance between the UK and Poland. The agreements made are expected to strengthen interoperability between their armed forces and contribute significantly to Euro-Atlantic security.