Image Credentials: Image Title: STARMER DENOUNCES “WRONG” TRUMP TARIFFS: PM Vows to Protect British Workers from Arctic Trade War Source: (sora.openai) Date: January 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai) and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle Political Editor with Agencies
LONDON — Monday, January 19, 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a defiant yet measured response to President Donald Trump’s latest trade threats, describing the use of tariffs against allies as “completely wrong.” Speaking from a lectern at Downing Street this morning, the Prime Minister addressed the escalating crisis sparked by the U.S. President’s “quixotic” attempt to purchase Greenland.
A Defense of Sovereignty
At the heart of the dispute is President Trump’s demand for the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. In his address, Starmer was unequivocal about the UK’s stance on international law and sovereignty.
“There is a principle here that cannot be set aside,” Starmer stated. “Any decision about the future status of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone. This right is fundamental, and we support it.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the High North is becoming a theater of strategic competition as climate change opens new sea routes, but he insisted that these challenges must be met through cooperation, not coercion.
The Economic Threat
The situation turned critical on Saturday when President Trump announced a 10% tariff on the UK and seven other European nations, scheduled to take effect on February 1. These levies are set to surge to 25% by June if the Greenland acquisition is blocked.
Starmer warned that such actions hurt British workers, businesses, and the wider economy. However, he appeared to rule out immediate retaliatory tariffs, stating that a trade war is in “nobody’s interest.”
“A tariff war is in nobody’s interests,” Starmer told reporters. “My focus is on making sure we don’t get to that stage. It is working people, small businesses, and households who absorb the shock when supply chains fracture. We must use every tool to fight for the interests of ordinary people.”
Diplomatic Balancing Act
Despite the “markedly turbulent” weeks, the Prime Minister emphasized the profound importance of the US-UK relationship. He confirmed that he remains in daily contact with key figures in the Trump administration.
When asked if he would advise King Charles III to cancel his planned state visit to the U.S. in April, Starmer demurred. He argued that it is vital to maintain a “good relationship” to continue essential work on defense, intelligence, and nuclear security. However, he added that being pragmatic “does not mean being passive” and partnership “does not mean abandoning principle.”
National Unity
In a rare moment of cross-party consensus, Starmer welcomed the support of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. He called on the country to “pull together” in what long-standing observers are calling the most serious diplomatic situation in 80 years.
While Starmer expressed support for other U.S. efforts—including a ceasefire in Gaza and putting pressure on Putin’s Russia—he remained firm that threatening allies over territory is “not the right way to resolve differences within an alliance.”
Timeline: The Road to February 1
| Date | Event |
| Jan 17 | Trump announces 10% tariffs on UK/EU allies over Greenland. |
| Jan 19 | Starmer calls tariffs “completely wrong” in Downing Street speech. |
| Feb 1 | Deadline for the first 10% tariff wave. |
| April | Scheduled State Visit for King Charles III to Washington. |
| June 1 | Proposed escalation of tariffs to 25%. |