Keir Starmer hits out at Donald Trump as he vows to stand up for UK 'national interests' in emergency press conference

He called on the US to adopt a "calm" approach, adding "Greenland's security matters".

The PM said "concrete outcomes" in Greenland are of a "national interest" to the UK.

"There is a principle that cannot be set aside," Sir Keir said. "It goes to the heart of how stable and trusted international cooperation works.

"So, any decision about the future status of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone. That right is fundamental, and we support it."

He went on to say the use of tariffs against allies is "completely wrong", adding: "It is not the right way to resolve differences within an alliance."

"A trade war is in no one's interest, and my job is always to act in the UK's national interest," Sir Keir said.

The PM confirmed he spoke with the US President, European leaders, and Secretary General of Nato yesterday to find a solution "rooted in partnership, facts, and mutual respect - because that is how strong alliances respect shared interests".

Addressing Britons, Sir Keir said geopolitics "shapes the cost of energy, the price of food, the security of jobs and the stability that families rely on to plan their lives".

"Britain is a pragmatic country. We look for agreement. We believe in partnership. We prefer solutions to slogans," he continued.

"We will not indulge in commentary and gesture politics that harm the British people.

"But being pragmatic does not mean being passive. A partnership does not mean abandoning principle. That is why it's important to be clear about who we stand with, what we stand for, and where our interests lie."

He added: "We will work with our allies in Europe, across Nato, and with the United States. We will keep dialogue open. We will defend international law, and we will use the full strength of government at home and abroad to protect the security, living standards, and future of the British people.

"That is the approach I will take as Prime Minister, and that is the responsibility that this moment demands."

When asked by GB News' Christopher Hope on relations with the US, following the President's bombshell letter on Monday morning declaring he no longer feels "obliged to think purely of peace", Sir Keir gave little away.

"I don't think it's right for us to choose between the US and Europe, and that's not a new position today," he said in response.

"Because with our allies, with our European partners and allies with the US and the strength in being able to keep both those alliances has served us well over the last 80 years.

"This is not a moment to choose one between the other."

He continued by calling on Europe to "do more in its own defence and security", before saying "we've not paid enough attention to what we European nations can and should do in our own defence".

The emergency press conference comes amid a rift between Europe and the US over President Donald Trump's threats to enforce tariffs until a deal is reached over the sale of Greenland.

On Monday morning, Donald Trump issued a fiery message to Denmark on social media.

"Nato has been telling Denmark for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland'. Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it," Mr Trump blasted.

"Now it is time, and it will be done!!!" he added.

The President earlier said he would slap Britain with a 10 per cent tariff "on any and all goods" imported by the US from February 1, rising to 25 per cent on June 1.

The measures will also apply to Denmark, Norway, Germany, France and Sweden.

On Sunday, a collection of European countries issued a joint statement addressing the President's tariff threats.

The message by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK read: "We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.

"Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.

"We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.

"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."