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First Minister urges PM to ‘stand firm’ in face of Trump tariff threats

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 12:20, Tuesday January 20th, 2026.
Last updated: 14:13, Tuesday January 20th, 2026

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US President Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump

Wales’ First Minister has urged Sir Keir Starmer to “stand firm” in the face of tariff threats from Donald Trump.

In a letter to the UK Prime Minister, Eluned Morgan stressed the importance of US firms to the Welsh economy – but described the US President’s threats as “unacceptable and aggressive”.

Mr Trump has threatened 10% tariffs on the UK and other European nations as he seeks to take over Greenland – which is owned by Denmark, an EU member state and NATO ally. Both the UK and the EU has sided with Denmark on the issue.

Sir Keir has condemned the President’s stance, but played down the prospect of imposing retaliatory tariffs on the US.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks outside 10 Downing Street for the first time
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

Baroness Morgan said: “People across Wales are already struggling with the cost of living – increased tariffs will only put further pressure on Welsh businesses.

“I have written to Sir Keir Starmer setting out that Wales could be disproportionately affected by additional tariffs, which would be a challenge for many Welsh businesses.

“Threatening the use of tariffs is an unacceptable and aggressive act from a country we consider a friend and ally. Welsh jobs are on the line and as First Minister I will defend them to the hilt.”

GE Aerospace Wales announces £19m upgrade to secure future of Nantgarw plant

Baroness Morgan highlighted there are around 330 US-based companies in Wales, employing more than 40,000 people, and continued: “But there comes a point where principle must be respected. It is the people of Greenland and Denmark who should be determining the future of the island, and international law must be upheld.

“We cannot continue to be threatened with more tariffs by Donald Trump. At this critical moment, we must stand by our allies and the values we hold dear.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan
First Minister Eluned Morgan

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has also hit out at former reality television star Trump – and said the future of Greenland “belongs to the people of Greenland alone”.

He added: “With the United States acting in an increasingly chaotic and unpredictable way, the UK must deepen its ties with reliable allies in Europe, grounded in shared values, international law and mutual respect.”


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