The UK and Germany have signed a defence deal to bolster NATO and European security,

but will it do anything to meet both countries immediate needs and alter the course of the war in Ukraine.

Welcome to Power Play, Politico's Weekly Podcast, where I talk to some of the most influential figures on either side of the Atlantic.

I'm Anne McElvoy, if you haven't already, please take a moment to follow the podcast, then you won't miss an episode with a guest you might like to

hear from in this crucial election year.

And with me this week is John Healy, the UK's defense secretary, one of the most senior jobs

in Kiestammer's government, which has just

passed its first hundred days in office.

So I'm going to meet him here in the ceremonial setting of London's Trinity House

where he's invited his German counterpart Boris Pistorius

to show strengthened cooperation between Europe's two biggest defense spenders and donors

to Ukraine's war effort all around me

multi-star generals and their staff are milling it's definitely an autumn day

out in the sunshine here in London for the top brass from both countries.

Despite the glad handing though, is there room for optimism as the war enters another

long winter and Americans head to the polls in an election which could have decisive sway on the outcome.

John Healy welcome to power play.

Thank you. It's a pleasure to be with you.

You've said the agreement that's being marked this morning is the first of its kind.

It marks a fundamental shift in the UK's relationship with Germany and European security.

Why is it so important to the UK and to NATO to have this deal?

I mean, what does it contribute that isn't already there in very widespread

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