Prime Minister Welcomes Norwegian Counterpart Amid Strengthening Defence Ties
The UK Prime Minister welcomed Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre to London today, marking a significant moment for bilateral relations. The visit coincided with the signing of the Lunna House Agreement, aimed at enhancing Euro-Atlantic security and boosting military readiness.
Strengthening Defence Cooperation
During their meeting, both leaders highlighted the importance of the newly established agreement, which will see increased collaboration between the UK and Norway in the North Atlantic. This initiative comes as a response to a worrying escalation in Russian naval activity, which has reportedly surged by 30% in the past two years. The partnership aims to address this shared concern more effectively.
Strategic Defence Deals
As part of their discussions, the Prime Minister emphasised the strategic nature of the UK-Norway relationship. Notably, they reviewed a recent £10 billion frigate deal that is expected to create around 4,000 jobs in the UK, further solidifying defence industry ties.
Commitment to Ukraine
The leaders also discussed their shared commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The Prime Minister acknowledged Prime Minister Støre’s steadfast dedication to the Coalition of the Willing. Both agreed on the urgent need to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to achieve a just resolution for Ukraine.
Support for Troops
Following their meeting, both leaders visited RAF Lossiemouth, where they expressed gratitude to service personnel for their dedication during the festive period. In a show of support, the Prime Minister announced that 35,000 members of the armed forces will receive assistance for travel costs, enabling them to reunite with family over Christmas.
Engagement with Personnel
The visit also included discussions with UK and Norwegian crews operating P-8 aircraft, which are actively involved in maritime patrols in the North Atlantic. The leaders took the opportunity to hear firsthand about the operations from both UK Typhoon pilots and their Norwegian counterparts.
In closing, the leaders looked forward to future discussions as they continue to reinforce the UK-Norway partnership.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-meeting-with-prime-minister-store-of-norway-4-december-2025
