Sir Keir Starmer has urged Britain to unite in the face of Donald Trump's threats to invade Greenland and slap tariffs on the UK and other European allies.
The Prime Minister said the dispute over Greenland, which the US president wants to take over because of its strategic Arctic location and mineral wealth, should be resolved through “calm discussion between allies” rather than military action or a trade war.
In an emergency address from Downing Street on Monday morning, Sir Keir said the crisis was a “moment for the whole country to pull together”.
He has not ruled out military action to achieve his aim of taking the territory, which is a semi-autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
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What tariffs is Donald Trump proposing?
10:43 , Frankie Lister-FellTariffs are a tax the US is proposing to apply to imports against eight European countries in retaliation to them blocking the US’s plan to purchase Greenland.
Tariffs of 10 per cent would take effect on February 1 for the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland.
This would increase to 25 per cent from June 1.
Intelligence sharing between US and UK is 'closest relationship between any two countries in the world'
10:13 , Frankie Lister-FellPressed again on why the UK needs to maintain a close relationship with an ally that threatens to impose harmful tariffs on it, Keir Starmer said: “We are involved on a daily basis when it comes to security defence and information sharing in relation to the interaction on intelligence between the US and the UK is the closest relationship between any two countries in the world and that keeps us safe in ways that I can’t explain to you.”
Starmer doesn't think the US would use military force
10:07 , Frankie Lister-FellThe prime minister has been asked by a reporter if he thinks Donald Trump is “genuinely considering military action” to take Greenland.
He replied: “I don’t actually. I think this can be resolved and should be resolved through calm discussion but with the application and principles of the values I set out.”
But he added that Europe should “do more on defence and security” and “partly that’s a question on defence spend”.
Starmer asked about decision to pull Hillsborough Law
10:03 , Frankie Lister-FellThe PM has been asked about his government’s decision to pull the Hillsborough Law bill from parliament.
Campaigners and MPs were worried that the proposed Hillsborough law provides a get out clause for spies.
He said: “I care hugely that we get this right, that we right the wrongs for very many families who've been let down, and ensure a better future for families, in the future.”
"In relation to the duty of candour, we've been clear that that matters.
"What we're now trying to do is just make sure we get the balance right when it comes to the application of any principle to the security and intelligence agencies.
"Obviously, I have to focus on the national interest - my primary duty as Prime Minister, which is to keep this country safe and secure - that is the duty I hold above all other duties, and I take it really seriously, which is why we're just taking time to make sure that we get that balance absolutely right."
97 people died because of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989. Hundreds more were injured.
In everybody's interest that Nato is 'strong and stable', PM says
09:55 , Frankie Lister-Fell
The PM said he spoke to the Danish prime minister twice throughout the weekend and made “absolutely clear” on where he stands in the conflict, on “who decides the future of Greenland” and tariffs, which they are aligned on.
Starmer said: “It’s in all of our interests that Nato remains strong and stable. We had a very good Nato summit last year, with more members than we've had before and more unity than many people thought we’d achieve.”
He added that Nato is the “single most effective military alliance the world has ever known so its in all of our interest to that nothing is done to weaken Nato”.
PM asked if he needs to choose between US or the EU
09:45 , Frankie Lister-FellStarmer was asked whether he needs to choose between US and the EU.
He said: “I don’t think it’s right for us to choose between the US and Europe. That’s not a new position. We are allies with our European partners and allies with the US.
“I have argued that Europe needs to step up and do more to defend its own security.”
Starmer reiterates that the US is a 'close ally'
09:43 , Frankie Lister-Fell.jpg?trim=0%2C825%2C0%2C825)
Starmer acknowledged that the strength of feeling in the UK towards Trump’s threats is justified. But he also emphasised that the he wanted to maintain a close relationship with the US.
The PM said: “We’re allies of the US and we work closely with them so I’m not surprised by the reaction to this across the UK.
“Our job is that we find a way forward consistent with our principles and values and the US remains a close ally on defense, security and intelligence and on nuclear capability.”
He said nuclear deterrent is the UK’s “foremost weapon” when it comes to “securing the safety of the United Kingdom” and “that requires us to have a good relationship with the United States”.
He added this doesn’t mean he would pretend that the two countries “have differences” in terms of who should decide the future of Greenland and use of tariffs.
Starmer said he will use 'full strength of government' to protect UK
09:34 , Frankie Lister-Fell
Keir Starmer said he will keep dialogue open, defend international law, and will “work with our allies across Europe, across Nato and the US”.
But he added: “We will use the full strength of the government at home and abroad to protect the security, living standards and future of the British people.”
'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.
