The UK and Germany have cemented their commitment to closer collaboration with the signing of the Kensington Treaty. This agreement, the first of its kind since World War II, aims to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, security, and various bilateral exchanges.

At a ceremony held at London’s V&A Museum, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz formalised the treaty, which includes provisions for joint efforts in reinforcing Euro-Atlantic security. Both leaders have committed to further strengthening their defence forces to effectively deter potential threats. The treaty also reiterates support for NATO and its allies.

A key part of the agreement is the facilitation of passport e-gates for UK citizens arriving in Germany, set to roll out by the end of August, initially for frequent travellers. The nations have also agreed to explore the potential for direct train services, with hopes of launching them within the next decade.

Additionally, the treaty highlights the importance of bilateral school and youth exchanges, aims to combat cross-border crime, and outlines joint work on security issues such as arms control, counter-terrorism, and space security.

This treaty signals a renewed focus on addressing global challenges such as people smuggling, with both nations committed to tackling organised crime, including migrant smuggling. This agreement is part of broader efforts to strengthen UK-Germany relations and address pressing issues across Europe.

Greenergy has announced it will close its biodiesel plant in Immingham, Lincolnshire, after a strategic review of the site’s viability. The plant had already suspended operations earlier this year, and despite efforts to reduce costs, market conditions have continued to undermine its sustainability.

The company pointed to several factors contributing to the closure, including slower growth in the UK’s biofuels blending mandates compared to other European markets and increasing competition from US-subsidised biodiesel imports. Greenergy has said that without clarity on future UK biofuels policy, the necessary investment to make the plant competitive is not feasible.

The decision comes after months of evaluation and reflects broader challenges faced by the biofuels sector in the UK. Greenergy is seeking urgent discussions with government officials to boost biofuels usage in the country, a move it believes could help protect the sector while supporting the UK’s emissions reduction targets.

Greenergy has pledged to support its Immingham staff during the transition.

Renewable energy developer OnPath Energy has appointed specialist contractor GOLDBECK SOLAR to manage engineering, procurement and construction work at a new West Yorkshire solar energy project. OnPath’s Barnsdale Solar Park, which sits between Kippax and Allerton Bywater to the east of Leeds, will be able to generate enough electricity to meet the average annual requirements of up to 13,000 family homes through solar panels covering a 50-hectare area. GOLDBECK SOLAR will now be responsible for delivering the design, construction and commissioning work required at the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park and will also carry out maintenance and management work for the first two years after it begins to generate green electricity. With construction scheduled to begin in the summer, the OnPath and GOLDBECK SOLAR  teams are now working together to complete design work and surveys at the south-facing site. GOLDBECK SOLAR will also be responsible for the connection of the site to the National Grid via the nearby Ledston Primary electricity sub-station, which is scheduled to follow in spring next year, and will also work to ensure optimum performance is being delivered. Martin Kellerman, construction director at OnPath Energy, said: “The Barnsdale Solar Park is OnPath’s first solar project and represents a real milestone towards achieving the company’s ambition of becoming the UK’s leading land-based renewable energy developer. “We’ve been making excellent progress with our preparatory work at the site and excited to be moving quickly towards the start of construction work proper. “GOLDBECK SOLAR has extensive experience of working on solar energy generation projects, both within the UK and overseas, and we’re very pleased to have them as part of an excellent team of contractors that will help us deliver the Barnsdale Solar Park with maximum efficiency.” Colin Deans, UK country manager at GOLDBECK SOLAR, adds: “We are delighted to be working with OnPath on this project, marking our first collaboration. “Barnsdale adds to our ever-growing construction pipeline and we look forward to working with OnPath on delivering a high performing project. “This site has some unique challenges and we believe it highlights our expertise on designing projects like Barnsdale.”