US President Donald Trump has arrived in Switzerland to meet world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, amid escalating trade tensions between Washington, the UK and parts of Europe, according to a report on the developments.
The visit comes as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised the UK over its decision to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, saying Britain was “letting us down”.
In response to mounting pressure from Washington, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer told his MPs he would not “yield” to pressure from Trump, underlining London’s resistance as diplomatic strains intensify.
Earlier in Davos, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves signalled openness to potential counter measures, saying she “would never rule anything out” when asked whether the UK could impose retaliatory tariffs on the US.
The tensions follow Trump’s announcement that he would impose a 10% tariff on goods imported from eight European countries opposing his plan to take over Greenland.
France has also warned of a strong response. On Tuesday, President Emmanuel Macron said the European Union could consider a range of retaliatory options, including what he described as a “trade bazooka”.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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