Starmer Slams Trump’s “Greenland Blackmail” as UK Faces New Tariff War
London-UK, 19,January 2026
— The “special relationship” between London and Washington has entered its most turbulent chapter in decades.
On Sunday, 18 January 2026, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a blistering condemnation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest trade ultimatum.
Following the White House’s announcement of a 10% tariff on eight NATO allies—including the United Kingdom—over their refusal to support the U.S. annexation of Greenland, Starmer branded the move “completely wrong” and a “dangerous form of economic blackmail.”
As the UK economy already grapples with the fallout of global inflation, this new protectionist barrier threatens to derail the government’s fragile growth strategy.
The Greenland Sovereignty Standoff
The rift began when the UK joined Denmark and other European allies in opposing President Trump’s sudden bid to “purchase” or “annex” Greenland for strategic Arctic dominance.
In a statement released from Downing Street this morning, Starmer emphasized that Greenland’s future is a matter solely for the Greenlandic people and the Kingdom of Denmark.
However, the U.S. administration remains unmoved, viewing the Arctic as a “national security necessity” to counter Russian and Chinese expansion.
The UK’s refusal to facilitate this shift has led to the inclusion of British goods—ranging from luxury cars to Scotch whisky—in the new tariff list.
The British Chambers of Commerce warned today that these duties will have a “greater impact” than any trade dispute in recent history if they are allowed to take effect on 1 February.
Political Chaos: The Jenrick Defection
While Starmer fights on the international stage, the UK’s domestic political landscape is in a state of upheaval.
The Conservative Party was rocked this weekend by the dramatic defection of Robert Jenrick to Reform UK. Jenrick, who had been a key figure in the Tory shadow cabinet, was “sacked” by leader Kemi Badenoch just hours before he could officially cross the floor.
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, hailed Jenrick as the “new sheriff in town,” claiming that the defection proves the Conservative Party is no longer a serious home for right-wing voters.
This internal “civil war” on the right comes at a critical time, as the Labour government prepares to introduce a controversial bill to “reset” the UK’s economic relationship with the European Union—a move that Reform UK has vowed to fight with “everything they have.”
The “EU Reset” and the Battle for Sovereignty
Sir Keir Starmer is facing a growing rebellion within his own party over the proposed “EU Alignment Bill.”
This legislation, intended to bridge the trade gap created by Brexit, seeks to integrate the UK back into the EU’s internal electricity market and ease red tape on food exports.
The government estimates the deal could be worth £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040. However, critics from the Reform-Conservative alliance argue that this is “Brexit in name only.”
The Castle Journal exclusive department reports that secretive talks are being held between Labour rebels and opposition leaders to block the bill when it reaches Parliament this spring.
For Starmer, the challenge is two-fold: he must defend British sovereignty against Trump’s Arctic ambitions while convincing a skeptical public that “closer ties” with Brussels won’t erode the UK’s independence.
A New Strategic Partnership with Canada
Amid the friction with Washington, the UK is looking for new allies. Starmer is expected to meet with Canadian leaders this week to forge a “new strategic partnership” focused on Arctic security and critical minerals.
The Castle Journal has learned that this partnership is a direct response to the U.S. pressure over Greenland.
By aligning with Ottawa, London hopes to create a “northern alternative” that upholds international law while addressing the genuine security threats posed by Russia’s northern fleet.
As the Prime Minister prepares to depart for the World Economic Forum in Davos tomorrow, he finds himself in a high-stakes balancing act: resisting a bully in Washington, managing a divorce from Brussels, and trying to keep his own country from fracturing under the pressure of a new political era.
Headline Summary:
• Tariff Condemnation: Starmer labels Trump’s 10% tariff threat over Greenland as “completely wrong.”
• Economic Impact: British Chambers of Commerce warns of devastating effects on UK exports by February 1.
• Tory Defection: Robert Jenrick joins Reform UK after being sacked by Kemi Badenoch, sparking a right-wing power struggle.
• EU Alignment Bill: Labour prepares for a fierce parliamentary battle over closer trade ties with the European Union.
• Arctic Coalition: UK and Canada move toward a new security pact to counter both U.S. and Russian Arctic influence.
