UK PM Johnson signs mutual security guarantees with leaders of Sweden and Finland

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson has signed mutual security guarantees with the leaders of Sweden and Finland amid growing threats in the region.

Sky News reports.

Johnson signed a declaration with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, and he will travel to Finland on Wednesday afternoon to sign a similar declaration of security with President Sauli Niinistö.

The declarations call for a change in defense and security cooperation between the UK and each country, increased intelligence sharing, accelerated joint military training, exercises, and deployments, and increased security in all three countries and Northern Europe.

They will also allow the UK to work with its northern partners and their armed forces in all areas, including cyberspace.

"We are steadfast and unequivocal in our support to both Sweden and Finland and the signing of these security declarations is a symbol of the everlasting assurance between our nations," Johnson said.

"These are not a short-term stopgap, but a long-term commitment to bolster military ties and global stability, and fortify Europe's defenses for generations to come," he said.

Sweden and Finland are currently considering applying for NATO membership.

Both countries are expected to make decisions this month.