Sir Keir Starmer is about to address the nation after Donald Trump vowed to impose tariffs on the UK over its stance on Greenland.
The Prime Minister called a last-minute press conference in Downing Street on Monday morning after speaking with the US president over the phone yesterday.
Trump announced last week that he would place 10% tariffs on the UK, increased to 25% from June 1, until a deal is reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
He said the same would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland.
What time is the press conference today?
Sir Keir is set to address the nation at 9.15am in Downing Street.
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In a phone call with Trump yesterday, Downing Street said the Prime Minister reiterated his belief that Greenland’s future was for Denmark and Greenland to decide.
He also stressed that the security in the High North is a priority for all Nato allies.
Sir Keir also held calls on Sunday with Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Nato chief Mark Rutte.
In a joint statement warning about the potential impact of such a move, theeight affected NATO countries warned Trump’s actions could create a ‘dangerous downward spiral’.
They said: ‘We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.
‘Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind.
‘Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.’
The statement also pushes back against Trump’s claim that a small, newly announced joint exercise in Greenland means the Nato allies are ‘playing a very dangerous game’.
It says: ‘As members of NATO, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest.
‘The pre-coordinated Danish exercise “Arctic Endurance“ conducted with Allies, responds to this necessity. It poses no threat to anyone.’
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
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