May To Host Polish Prime Minister For Defence Talks

(Picture: PA).

Theresa May will today welcome her Polish counterpart, Mateusz Morawiecki, to Downing Street to discuss defence and security links amid concerns about Russia's activities.

Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country's new weapons have no foreign equivalents and will help ensure the country's security for decades to come.

Ahead of Thursday's meeting with Mr Morawiecki, the Prime Minister said: "Poland is one of our closest friends and allies. This partnership works for both our nations, making us safer, more prosperous and more secure.

"Throughout history, UK and Poland have stood side by side.

"We share an unwavering commitment to supporting a stable and peaceful Europe, but are also clear-eyed in recognising the threats we face and the required response.

"Today's talks will agree ambitious steps that build on the landmark joint defence and security treaty we signed in Warsaw last year, and set a course for further collaboration in the years ahead."

Ahead of the visit Mrs May also praised the contribution made by Poles living in Britain and told them "you can stay, and we want you to stay".

The visit, for the third annual UK-Poland inter-government consultation, comes as Mrs May seeks to win support from European Union leaders for further reassurances over the Brexit deal.