The Inaugural
German British Conference
Diplomacy, Defence and Deep Tech 10 years after Brexit
27–29 November 2026 · Oxford
The Room
What is the German British Conference?
An independent forum bringing Britain's and Germany's political and industrial leaders together to argue the relationship out in public and build it in private.
3 days of panels, keynotes & private sessions · 6 streams from German politics to innovation & startups
~450
Participants from both countries
50+
Speakers across politics, industry, law, defence & technology
20+
Keynotes & Panels
“The Federal President expressly welcomes the fact that the German-British Conference has set itself the task of creating a platform for open dialogue between German and British figures from the worlds of politics, academia, business, defence and civil society. In doing so, the conference is making a valuable contribution to consolidating the close and multifaceted relations between Germany and the United Kingdom.”
Frank-Walter Steinmeier
President of the Federal Republic of Germany
Why this forum, why now
Two Anniversaries, One Relationship
June 2016 · The Referendum
Ten Years After Brexit
Britain voted to leave the European Union. A decade on, Britain and Germany must build their partnership outside the same union, making the case for closer ties more urgent than ever.
July 2025 · The Treaty
The Kensington Treaty
Britain and Germany signed their first bilateral friendship treaty since the Second World War, agreed with war on the continent, an unpredictable Washington, and the E3 back at the centre of European security.
The German British Conference brings leaders from both countries to Oxford for three days: public panels where the hard questions get argued on the record, and private space, dinners and closed sessions, where partnerships form.
The Six Streams
Where the Arguments Happen
German Politics
The coalition, the economy, and a tougher security policy.
British Politics
Political instability, devolution, and Britain's place in Europe.
Defence & Diplomacy
Rearmament, NATO, and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Law
Constitutional systems, cross-border disputes, and AI regulation.
Artificial Intelligence
Who regulates AI, and European sovereignty in science and medicine.
Innovation & Startups
Deep tech, capital, and keeping talent in Europe.
Conference Format
Keynote Speeches
- High-level leaders
- Audience: 450+ attendees
Expert Panels
- 20+ panels
- Live Q&A
Networking Reception & Formal Dinner
- Curated evening reception in prestigious Oxford venues
Speaker Dinners
- Exclusive events
- For sponsors, VIP guests, senior speakers