Hardened Starmer changes tack as gentle approach fails to sway Trump

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Pippa Crerar Political editorJanuary 21, 2026 at 04:28 PM

Read Original Article

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has shifted to a more assertive stance towards US President Donald Trump after his previous diplomatic approach failed to influence Trump's actions. The change follows Trump's threat to impose tariffs on European allies and criticism of the UK's stance on the Chagos Islands. Starmer publicly criticized Trump's tariff threats as wrong and damaging to the British economy, while still expressing a preference for calm discussion. This marks a departure from Starmer's earlier, more subtle approach to disagreements with Trump. The shift in tone was noted in Washington, signaling a potential turning point in the UK's relationship with the US.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mauritius 30% Kemi Badenoch 30% Downing Street 40% North Atlantic Treaty Organization 40% Chagos Islands ×240% European Union 50% Greenland ×250% UK 60% United States ×270% Keir Starmer ×790% Donald Trump ×895%

Keywords

keir starmer 100% donald trump 100% us tariffs 80% transatlantic relationship 70% greenland 60% diplomacy 60% political strategy 50% chagos islands 50% uk economy 40%