OTTAWA (CHATNEWSTV) — Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada unveiled an ambitious joint agenda Saturday in Ottawa, reaffirming their nations’ deep-rooted alliance and unveiling a series of economic, technological, and defense initiatives aimed at bolstering transatlantic prosperity and global security.
“Our nations stand shoulder to shoulder,” Starmer said in a joint statement following the bilateral meeting. “We are united by history, values, and a shared determination to defend democracy and deliver prosperity for working people on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Carney echoed the sentiment, stating, “Canada and the UK are charting a course together — one grounded in innovation, security, and enduring friendship.”
The meeting marks the first formal visit between the two leaders since both assumed office, with Carney stepping into the Canadian premiership earlier this year. The sweeping joint communiqué outlines a multi-pronged approach to economic growth, emerging technologies, and defense collaboration amid intensifying global tensions.
Joint Growth and Innovation Agenda
The leaders launched a new UK-Canada Growth and Innovation Partnership, committing to deepen cooperation on trade, science, and digital policy.
Trade: A new Economic and Trade Working Group will be tasked with expanding market access and exploring emerging sectors such as digital trade and critical minerals. The group is expected to report back within six months. Canada also pledged to introduce legislation this fall to ratify the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Artificial Intelligence: Canada and the UK will formalize collaborations on AI safety through a new agreement between their national AI institutes. The AI firm Cohere will expand its operations in both countries under separate memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
Quantum and Semiconductors: A joint commitment was announced to develop secure quantum-based communications and strengthen transatlantic R&D in semiconductors and chip design.
Critical Minerals and Biomanufacturing: The two countries will launch a strategic mapping exercise for critical minerals and co-invest $14.8 million in biomanufacturing R&D to fortify future pandemic resilience.
Civil Nuclear Cooperation: The statement pledged new fusion energy collaboration and efforts to reduce global dependency on Russian nuclear fuel.
Security and Defence Enhancements
Starmer and Carney also committed to a reinforced Enhanced Defence and Security Partnership, pledging deeper collaboration through NATO, Five Eyes, and bilateral initiatives.
Key measures include:
Support for Ukraine: Both leaders reaffirmed “unwavering support” for Ukraine, including efforts to strengthen its domestic defense production and collaboration on advanced air force weaponry.
Military Training: A permanent arrangement will be pursued for the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in Alberta under the “BATUS Future Project.”
Counterterrorism and Intelligence Sharing: The leaders announced enhanced joint operations on terrorism and extremism and expanded officer exchange programs across intelligence services.
Cybersecurity and Civil Society Support: Canada and the UK will jointly launch the Common Good Cyber Fund, a first-of-its-kind initiative to support civil society actors facing digital threats. An initial $5.7 million in seed funding will be disbursed over five years.
Border and Migration Security: Both countries vowed stronger action against organized crime, smuggling, and human trafficking through enhanced intelligence and data sharing.
“The world faces increasing threats — from state sabotage to AI-driven disinformation,” Carney warned. “Canada and the UK will meet them together, grounded in democratic resilience and strategic clarity.”
A Rules-Based Vision
The joint statement reemphasized the countries’ commitment to a “rules-based international order,” pledging cooperation on global trade, sovereignty, and stability in conflict zones from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific.
“We are stronger together,” Starmer said. “This partnership is about delivering results — for our economies, for our security, and for the global common good.”
The UK-Canada Joint Statement was released Saturday by 10 Downing Street and the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office and follows rising global concern over authoritarian influence, economic volatility, and technological disruption.
