Keir Starmer Condemns Donald Trump – But UK Won't Retaliate Over Tariff Threats |
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a statement in the media briefing room of 9 Downing Street, in central London, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Keir Starmer has condemned Donald Trump’s “completely wrong” threat to slap tariffs on Britain and seven other European countries over the future of Greenland – but insisted his government will not retaliate.
The prime minister said “a trade war is in no one’s interest” as he appeared to rule out the UK imposing its own import charges on American goods entering the country.
Starmer also defended his strategy of trying to remain close to Trump at an emergency Downing Street press conference.
“Britain is a pragmatic country: we look for agreement, we believe in partnership,” the PM said.
“We prefer solutions to slogans, and we will not indulge in commentary and gesture politics that harm the British people.
“But being pragmatic does not mean being passive, and partnership does not mean abandoning principle.
“That is why it’s important to be clear about who we stand with,........