Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to hold an emergency press conference to outline the UK’s approach to dealing with the increasingly volatile US administration under President Donald Trump. This comes after Starmer warned Trump that his latest tariff threats against the UK and other European allies are “wrong” and undermine transatlantic relations.
Trump announced on Saturday that the UK, along with seven other countries, will face a 10% tariff on all goods exported to the US, set to increase to 25% from June 1 unless a deal is reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark. The joint statement from the affected nations condemned the move, warning it would “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.”
In his phone call with Trump, Starmer reiterated Britain’s position that Greenland’s future is a matter for the Greenlanders and Denmark. He also emphasised that Arctic security is a priority for all NATO allies, and that applying tariffs on allies for pursuing collective security is “completely wrong.”
The UK government is now considering whether to join the EU in imposing retaliatory tariffs worth €93 billion (£80 billion) on US imports, a measure that was initially suspended in August to allow for trade talks between Washington and Brussels.
Starmer is expected to face questions on the government’s approach to dealing with the Trump administration, as he battles declining approval ratings and growing concerns over the direction of his domestic agenda. The press conference will be an opportunity for the Prime Minister to set out the UK’s strategy for working with allies to protect the security, living standards and future of the British people.
The culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, has called for an “adult debate” with the US, rejecting the possibility that Trump will back down from the threat. She emphasised the need for the UK to stand up for its interests, while also welcoming dialogue and difference of opinion.
The situation highlights the growing tensions between the UK and its closest ally, the United States, under the Trump presidency. Starmer will be aiming to reassert Britain’s commitment to NATO and transatlantic cooperation, while firmly defending the country’s strategic and security interests.
