Starmer condemned the US president’s claim that allied forces stayed off the front line, saying it insulted British personnel who died on operations in Afghanistan. He demanded an apology and insisted UK troops served at the front and made significant sacrifices.
At Davos, Trump said the US should acquire part of Greenland for strategic defence, asserting that ownership is needed to safeguard the Arctic. He ruled out force but warned that refusal would be noted and carry consequences.
At Davos, Emmanuel Macron denounced “bullies”, urging rule of law over the law of the strongest, in a pointed rebuke to Donald Trump. He rejected a “new colonial approach” amid US pressure over Greenland and criticised renewed attacks on Nato allies, including Britain’s Chagos plan.
The EU plans €93bn in retaliatory tariffs after US threats tied to pressure over Greenland. It is also weighing curbs on some American firms. The PM told the president that using punitive levies to force a sale would be wrong, with leaders set to press the case at Davos.
Trump warned the UK and other European states they face 10% tariffs unless a deal is struck to buy Greenland from Denmark by early February, with duties threatened to rise to 25% from June. European leaders rejected pressure, saying policy won’t be dictated by threats.
West Midlands Police chief Craig Guildford will retire immediately after a report found he exaggerated and relied on fabricated AI evidence to justify banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match in Birmingham. The home secretary withdrew confidence, but only the PCC could dismiss him; he will depart with his pension.
A former immigration minister defected to Reform UK hours after being sacked from the front bench. He said the Conservatives had betrayed voters and been dishonest about their record. Reform’s leader welcomed the move, criticised the Tory leader and predicted further defections.
Amid reports that thousands of protesters have died and some face death sentences in Iran, Trump warned the leadership of severe consequences and pledged support for demonstrators, signalling possible new US measures.
The PM issued Elon Musk an ultimatum: curb abusive AI images on X or face UK action. He said the platform is profiting from harm linked to its Grok tool. Ofcom has opened an investigation into X’s controls and safeguards, with ministers ready to intervene if standards aren’t met.
Tehran warns it will retaliate against US military sites if Trump orders military action, amid mass protests and a severe domestic crackdown. Washington and regional allies are weighing options, with reports of deaths among demonstrators intensifying diplomatic tension.