Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stressed that the future status of Greenland is a matter solely for Denmark and the people of Greenland, amid ongoing international discussions. Speaking at a press conference at 9 Downing Street on Monday, Starmer said: “And 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 will support it.”

The PM also used the occasion to outline the UK’s approach to international affairs, emphasising pragmatism, principles, and the protection of British interests at home. All these are detailed in a full speech posted on the government’s website on Monday.

Starmer highlighted the close ties between the UK and the United States, noting that sustained engagement has delivered tangible benefits for the British economy: The PM said, “Through sustained engagement, we have seen significant US investment into the UK economy, running into the hundreds of billions of pounds, supporting growth, skills and jobs right across the country.”

He stressed that the relationship extends beyond economics to defence, nuclear capability, and intelligence sharing, describing it as “as close and effective as anywhere in the world—keeping Britain safe in an increasingly dangerous environment.” On international security, Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting peace and stability abroad.

Regarding Gaza, he said the UK is: “…open to participating constructively in [President Trump’s] efforts to sustain the ceasefire… and moving onto Phase 2.”

On Ukraine, he added: “We strongly support efforts to bring the killing to an end and to secure a ceasefire as soon as possible. We recognise President Trump’s role in pushing that process forward, and we will work closely with the United States, Ukraine, and our other allies to apply pressure where it belongs: on Putin.”

On Cost of Living, Domestic Impact of Global Events

Starmer linked foreign policy to everyday life in the UK, stressing that geopolitical instability affects energy prices, food costs, and job security. “When war drives up fuel prices, it is households who feel it first. When supply chains fracture, it is small businesses and working people who absorb the shock,” the speech further noted.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting families and businesses, citing measures such as reducing energy bills and freezing rail and prescription charges. Equally, he argued that proactive international engagement is essential to prevent global shocks from disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable.

Throughout his speech, Starmer framed the UK’s international approach as one of principled pragmatism, balancing alliances with defence of core values. He asserted, “Being pragmatic does not mean being passive. And 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 also criticised the use of tariffs and economic pressure against allies, describing them as harmful to British workers and businesses. “Such measures hurt British workers, British business and the British economy and that’s why I’ve been so clear on this issue. A trade war is in no one’s interest and my job is to act always in the UK’s national interest,” the PM concluded.

There was commotion at the entrance of the federal ministry of finance in Abuja on Monday, when protesting local contractors prevented Doris Uzoka-Anite, the minister of state for finance, from accessing the complex.

The protesters, under the aegis of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), blocked the gate of the ministry over debt owed by the federal government.

When Uzoka-Anite arrived at the entrance, security operatives attempted to create a pathway into the building for her — a move that was rejected by the demonstrators.

Amid the scuffle, a gunshot was heard as security personnel attempted to disperse the protesters.

The contractors had accused the federal government of refusing to pay them for projects executed.

They had also accused the federal government of refusing to release the funds earmarked in the 2024/2025 budgets.

Last year, the contractors organised a series of protests at the National Assembly Complex and finance ministry.

In December 2025, President Bola Tinubu set up a multi-ministerial committee to resolve the debt owed to federal contractors, with outstanding payments at about N1.5 trillion.

The committee members are Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy; Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning; Tanimu Yakubu, director-general of the budget office; Dave Umahi, minister of works; Ahmed Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development; and Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

A senate committee had also invited Edun to shed more light on the circumstances behind the payment delay.

Source: Thecable

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has denied reports claiming that Governor Dauda Lawal submitted a letter indicating his intention to defect to the party.

Lawal was elected governor of Zamfara State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The Zamfara APC described the report as fabricated and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday night, the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Mallam Yusuf Idris, dismissed the claim, which he said allegedly originated from Tambarin Gusau, as false and malicious.

Idris described the report as unfounded and mischievous, accusing those behind it of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension within the party.

“The Zamfara State chapter of the APC today came across a fabricated report purported to have emanated from Tambarin Gusau, claiming that Governor Dauda Lawal has sent a letter to the party expressing his desire to join the APC,” he said.

He stressed that the APC operates through established and official channels, adding that no such letter had been received by the party.

“The party did not receive any letter from Governor Dauda Lawal as claimed, nor is the APC aware of any recent move by the governor to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC,” Idris stated.

The party spokesman urged APC members and the general public, particularly residents of Zamfara State, to disregard the report in its entirety, describing it as a product of imagination aimed at causing confusion.