Sir Keir Starmer is delivering a speech at Downing Street on Monday morning as Nato is plunged into crisis over Donald Trump's demands that the US buy Greenland.
The US president announced at the weekend he would charge the UK a 10% tariff “on any and all goods” sent to the US from February 1, increasing to 25% from June 1, until a deal is reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
Trump said the same would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland.
The Prime Minister has told the US president it is “wrong” to apply tariffs to the UK and other European allies opposing his efforts to take over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
Early on Monday, Trump said Denmark had failed to heed warnings to protect Greenland from the threat of Russia.
He wrote on his Truth Social social media site: “NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland'.
“Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!”
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'Security of Greenland matters'
09:30 , Frankie Lister-FellPM Keir Starmer said the security of Greenland “matters” and it will “matter more as climate change reshapes the artic”.
He said: “There is a principle here that cannot be set aside.
“Any decision about the future status of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the kingdom of Denmark alone.”
Trade war is in 'no one's interest'
09:27 , Frankie Lister-FellKeir Starmer said at a Downing Street press conference: “The use of tariffs against allies is completely wrong it is not the right way to resolve differences within an alliance.
“Nor is it helpful to frame efforts to strengthen Greenland’s security a justification for economic pressure.”
Starmer 'determined to keep US relationship strong'
09:25 , Frankie Lister-FellThe prime minister has just reaffirmed his close relationship with the US.
He said: “The UK and the US are close allies and close partners that relationship matters profoundly, not just to our security but to the prosperity and the stability that people here depend upon.”
He said he was “determined to keep that relationship strong” and “constructive”.
Government needs to 'stand up' to 'bully' Donald Trump, Ed Davey says
09:16 , Frankie Lister-FellLib Dem leader told BBC Breakfast this morning that he thinks the King should cancel his upcoming state visit to the US in April.
He added the government needs to “stand up to Donald Trump” who he described as a “bully”.
He said: “He's a bully and what's at stake, if he goes ahead with either purchasing or invading Greenland, is very serious to our country.”
Which countries has Trump threatened to impose tariffs on?
09:05 , Frankie Lister-Fell- UK
- Denmark
- Norway
- Sweden
- France
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Finland
PM Keir Starmer expected to start speech soon
09:03 , Frankie Lister-FellStarmer is scheduled to speak to the nation from Downing Street at 9.15am. He will address Donald Trump’s threats to levy tariffs on European countries, including the UK, and his demand to buy Greenland.
Nato members bite back at Trump's threats
08:48 , Frankie Lister-Fell
A joint European statement following the Greenland and tariff row warned: “As members of Nato, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest.
“The pre-coordinated Danish exercise Arctic Endurance, conducted with Allies, responds to this necessity. It poses no threat to anyone.
“We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.
“Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind.
“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.
“We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”
Why does Trump want to take control of Greenland?
08:20 , Frankie Lister-Fell
Donald Trump wants to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, due to national security fears, he said.
The president fears that if the United States doesn’t take Greenland, Russia or China will.
He wrote on his Truth Social social media site: "NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland'.
"Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!"
The island, which is the largest in the world, is also in a strategic place for the US.
It is located close to Canada, meaning it’s a critical site for the US ballistic missile defence system, and it is already home to a large US military base.
The island is also rich in natural resources, particularly rare earth minerals that are needed for telecommunications. It has potential for offshore gas and oil.
Press conference comes after PM speaks with European allies
08:05 , Frankie Lister-FellThe prime minister spoke with a number of key leaders across the world yesterday about Trump’s increasing threat to “buy Greenland”.
Starmer spoke with the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Nato Chief Mark Rutte.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “In all his calls, the Prime Minister reiterated his position on Greenland.
“He said that security in the High North is a priority for all Nato allies in order to protect Euro-Atlantic interests.
“He also said that applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is wrong.”
Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 17, 2026
We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of NATO and allies should all do more together to address the threat…
What will Keir Starmer say in his speech this morning?
07:49 , Frankie Lister-FellFollowing Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25 per cent tariffs on European countries including the UK, the prime minister will share how he is responding.
Keir Starmer will set out the UK's approach to working with allies and how the country will be "led by our values", according to a Government source.
He is also expected to speak about his determination to protect British people's security, living standards and future through his work at home and abroad.
