Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is poised to publicly set out the United Kingdom's official response to fresh tariff threats from former US President Donald Trump, in a high-stakes Downing Street press conference. The move comes amid a dramatic escalation in global trade tensions and follows direct warnings from the UK and its European allies.
Trump's Tariff Ultimatum Over Greenland
The crisis was triggered on Saturday, 17 January 2026, when Donald Trump announced that the UK would face a 10 per cent tariff on all goods exported to the United States from 1 February. He declared this would rise to a punishing 25 per cent from 1 June unless a deal is reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
The same ultimatum was issued to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. Trump accused these nations of having "journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown," and warned they were playing a "very dangerous game." He asserted that "China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it."
UK and European Allies Stand United
In response, Sir Keir has been engaged in a flurry of diplomatic calls to coordinate a unified stance. On Sunday, 18 January, he spoke directly with Trump, telling him that "applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong." He reiterated that security in the High North is a priority for all NATO members.
The Prime Minister also held discussions with Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. This diplomatic push culminated in a joint statement from the eight affected European countries, including the UK, condemning the US threats as actions that "undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral." They pledged to stand "united and coordinated" in their response.
Military Presence and Political Pressure
The tensions follow the UK's confirmation earlier in the week that it had sent a military officer to Greenland at Denmark's request, to join a reconnaissance group ahead of a planned Arctic exercise. Downing Street insisted this did not constitute a formal "deployment."
Sir Keir's press conference, set against a backdrop of devastating approval ratings and domestic political challenges, is seen as a critical opportunity to regain control of the narrative. He is expected to face intense questioning on his government's strategy for dealing with an increasingly volatile US administration. Downing Street sources indicate he will use the platform to reiterate Britain's commitment to NATO and its determination to protect the security and living standards of the British people.
In a firm statement on Saturday, the Prime Minister had already laid out the UK's position, stating: "Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes." He emphasised that Arctic security is a matter for the whole NATO alliance and that applying tariffs for pursuing collective security is "completely wrong."
