Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has had one of the toughest Monday mornings of his premiership so far, addressing the nation and attempting to talk down President Trump from imposing tariffs on NATO allies.
In a fast-moving situation that will dominate the week ahead, Trump plans to impose tariffs on NATO allies for opposing America’s plans to take control of Greenland. He wants the "complete and total purchase" of the Danish territory, saying it's essential for US and global security. This morning, Starmer exercised restraint but called the tariffs “completely wrong” and urged that decisions on the future of Greenland be left to “the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone”.
Domestically, political support for a proposed social media ban for children has gained momentum. More than 60 Labour MPs have signed an open letter to Starmer urging the government to follow the example of Australia and ban under-16s from accessing social media platforms. Peers could also force a vote on the issue if they approve an amendment to the Children, Wellbeing and Schools Bill currently progressing through the House of Lords.
Also making a return this week are defections to Reform UK. After the theatrical sacking of Robert Jenrick MP and his immediate move to Reform, Nigel Farage continues with the showmanship as he teased a high-profile defection from a “well-known Labour figure” this week. The Conservatives ended the weekend on a sour note with Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, following Jenrick to the party currently leading voting intention polls.
Another issue likely to cause a stir in Westminster circles will be the government’s verdict on China’s ‘mega embassy’ plans, which is due tomorrow. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch joined a sizeable protest over the weekend, with demonstrators voicing concerns over political repression and spying from the Chinese government in the UK. The latest report for The Guardian expects the embassy plans to be approved.
Finally, one other thing to keep an eye on is the World Economic Forum in Davos, the annual gathering of political and business elites in the Swiss mountains. All but one of the G7’s leaders are due to attend this week, with President Trump leading the US’ largest ever delegation, including his top cabinet members. This year's agenda will inevitably be dominated by the fall out from Trump's Greenland ambitions, tariffs, Venezuela, and AI.
Headlines
- Europe threatens to strike back against Trump over Greenland tariffs - The Telegraph
- Why a Chinese 'mega embassy' is not such a worry for British spies -The Guardian
- Reform is not rescue charity for panicky Tory MPs, Farage says - BBC News
What’s on in Parliament
Monday 19th January
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Education
- Westminster Hall debate - The sale of fireworks
- Adjournment Debate: Disclosure and Barring Service
- Urgent Question Repeat: The government’s policy on mandatory digital ID
- Oral questions: The cost of public inquiries in 2025, and the government’s legal costs for representation in public inquiries
- Legislation: Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill - report stage (day 2)
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
- Programme Motion: Sentencing Bill: Programme (No.2)
- Motion: Holocaust Memorial Bill: Allocation of Time
- Oral questions: Rising level of youth unemployment
- Oral questions: Capacity on the East Coast Main Line
- Legislation: Crime and Policing Bill – committee stage (day 11)
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Wales
- Prime Minister’s Question Time
- Ten Minute Rule Motion: Rail Passengers' Charter
- Oral questions: Age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales
- Oral questions: Implementing the violence against women and girls strategy
- Legislation: Sentencing Bill - consideration of Commons amendment
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Cabinet Office
- Business Statement: Business Questions to the Leader of the House
- Backbench Business: General Debate on government support for the fishing industry
- Oral questions: Ensuring the UK is adequately prepared for the risks and opportunities presented by advances in artificial intelligence
- Oral questions: Impact on government policy on hospitality and retail sectors
- Legislation: Pensions Schemes Bill - committee stage (Day 4)
House of Commons
- The House of Commons is not sitting. The House will next sit on 26 January 2026.
- Legislation: Licensing Hours Extensions Bill - third reading
- Legislation: Terminally ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - committee stage (day 7)
Consultations
- Visitor levy in England - closes 18 February
- International student levy technical detail – closes 18 February
- Business Rates and Investment: Call for Evidence - closes 18 February
Statistics
- Environmental monitoring following the Grenfell Tower fire - updated 15 January
- Economic Statistics for Rural England - updated 15 January
- DWP research publications - updated 16 January