Andy Burnham is seeking Labour selection for the Gorton and Denton by-election, aiming to return to Westminster. He has asked the NEC for permission and pledged to support the government. The move exposes internal tensions over whether a sitting mayor should be allowed to stand.

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.