Following his address at the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Macron pledged to defend EU interests and warned that the threat of tariffs on Greenland will not “intimidate” Europe. Because of an eye injury, Matton claimed he was wearing sunglasses inside.
Published On 20 Jan 2026
Fears of a trade war have been a result of the US’s claim to the Danish territory.
Due to his opposition to his plans to take control of Greenland, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on seven European Union nations and the UK.
Leaders of the EU are considering how to respond.
What choices do they have? What dangers exist for both sides, then?
Presenter: Maleen Saeed
Guests:
Rebecca Christie – Senior fellow at the European think tank Bruegel with a focus on economics
Ben Aris, the founder and editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews
Published On 20 Jan 2026
According to US Special Envoy for Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have “largely expired” as the country’s “primary anti-ISIS force on the ground” is ready to take over security responsibilities, according to US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack.
The US military presence in northeastern Syria was historically justified primarily as a counter-ISIS partnership, according to Barrack on X.
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With Damascus joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS as its 90th member in late 2025, Syria’s situation has “fundamentally” changed.
He claimed that Syria is now “willing and positioned to assume security responsibilities,” including control of ISIL (ISIS) detention facilities and camps.
After President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced that Kurds would be granted citizenship rights and protections for the Kurdish language, the envoy continued to claim that the Syrian government has now opened a “unique window” for Kurds to integrate as it adopts its position as the “anti-ISIS” force.
Following a four-day ceasefire announced by the government, Barrack added that the Kurdish community’s future in Syria is now “on the path to full integration.”
Ayman Oghanna, a journalist from Damascus, claims that the US and the SDF have enjoyed “a very long relationship.”
They have “more than a decade” equipped, trained, and fought alongside the SDF, and still have 900 troops in SDF territory, he said.
We spoke with Syrian Kurds in the days leading up to the conflict because they worried that Damascus’ growing ties with the SDF might cause the US to abandon its relationship with them, which is what seems to be happening.
The Syrian army and the SDF made a ceasefire deal, which was al-Sharaa’s biggest victory since the government’s 2024 fall, with Barrack’s statement coming after the two countries reached a truce.
In the city of al-Shaddadi on Monday, reports of clashes between the Syrian army and the SDF broke out, with those accused of having ISIL connections fleeing prison.
As Brooklyn Beckham’s bombshell statement about his estranged family continues to cause shockwaves, one of his famous ex-girlfriends, singer Tallia Storm, tells the Mirror she is most definitely ‘Team Brooklyn’.
Recalling their time together as teens, circa 2014, Tallia called Brooklyn her ‘first love’, she says: “We were just 16. I was the first girl that had ever been spotted with Brooklyn.”
She was invited to Brooklyn at the time of the event, which was a music gig at Hanover Square in the capital. What transpired next shocked her.
She claims that Victoria sent a security team to the venue during the day to check it. “I didn’t realize it was that deep, but er, okay!” There were about 20 paparazzi outside the venue when my sister and I arrived at the concert that night while I was sound-checking.
It was wild for me to go through this, she continues. I was terrified because I didn’t want Brooklyn to believe I had called the paps!
On another occasion, Tallia claims she was meant to attend the Global Gift Gala with Brooklyn, hosted by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria – Victoria’s long-time pal who she knew, having previously been introduced to her by the former Spice Girl. But things didn’t quite work out as planned.
She goes on to say that she was supposed to sit next to Brooklyn and that we were all very excited, but he texted me the next day, saying that my mother wouldn’t let me enter, and I’m sorry. That was it. Evidently, Victoria disliked me or whatever.
Years later, when I first meet him, he’s so cool, so lovely, and that’s a big deal. However, that is an illustration of a PR blizzard that was completely unnecessary.
And Tallia maintains that she is in for a treat because of it. It’s always made me appear to be a fervent aspiring star. I never want to get involved in it because it feels like a little sticky web.
She continues, “I have never accepted a penny from anyone wanting to talk about Brooklyn.” But ultimately, I believe the light always shines through, and sometimes you have to allow life to flow freely.
When I met Brooklyn, I wasn’t “Tallia Storm,” but I was a girl who Elton John had discovered because she thought I had a certain “something” about me. Although we were just kids, we had a mutual crush on each other while I was still in school.
“When we started hanging out, David would drop him off at my house in London, I would go to theirs – I’ve met Victoria and honestly, it was just all lovely.”
Of Brooklyn’s explosive statement, Tallia confesses: “My first thought was, good for him. People have all heard a million stories over the years, and I just think, God bless Brooklyn for just coming out and sticking up for himself.
He has already had enough, I believe. I am 100% Team Brooklyn. That boy has endured a lot, according to what I believe the Beckham “web” has been through over the years. It has a significant impact on anyone. So, congratulations on his saying, “Enough is enough.” He is regaining control in this situation.
As for his wife Nicola Peltz, whom Brooklyn stated fiercely in his statement he had never been ‘controlled’ by, she says, “I’ve never met her personally, but I do think Nicola is Brooklyn’s soulmate. And I do think they’re a little dream team. Good for him, for taking a stand. I’m proud of him. It takes a lot to come out and say what he says.”
The Scottish star, whose mother is pr guru and entrepreneur Tessa Hartman CBE, adds, “Especially with boys, they tend to gravitate toward the wife-happy wife, happy life,” quoting one of her own brothers. Although I’m not sure if Victoria ever chose to attack Nicola, the choice is risky.
As she tells us, she feels for Brooklyn, growing up as a part of one of the world’s most famous families. “That boy hasn’t had an easy run. And he’s been heavily scrutinised whatever he does, from photographing elephants to cooking – he can’t catch a break. I take my hat off to him, and I hope he and Nicola feel a bit of weight has been taken off their shoulders, now.”
Tallia claims that the Brooklyn she knew wasn’t “teetering” on fame during their relationship. Simply put, he wasn’t that person. He was simply cool. Just having fun with the kids. Victoria’s invitation to my gig simply served as a cover story for it.
I’m not nearly as famous as Brooklyn, but I’m aware that whatever I’ve done because I’m constantly asked about Brooklyn, imagine him? I’ve given what he experiences a lot of thought.
As for Brooklyn’s comments that his mother had danced ‘inappropriately’ at his wedding, it’s not something she recognises but admits: “I know nothing about any of that. All I recall is Victoria always being very chatty and bubbly – she would always bring big energy.”
The first time she met the designer, she says: “I’ll never forget it, she was wearing a pair of stripy pyjamas – I just thought, how iconic. I only went to their Holland Park home a couple of times, but they just seemed like a normal, loving family. All very easy-going. I never saw any crazy, diva moments.”
Though they haven’t exactly stayed in touch and move in ‘totally different circles’ nowadays, Tallia has bumped into Brooklyn at events over the years and they’ll always catch up – but says she won’t be reaching out to him following his explosive post.
Heading soon to the Grammy Awards in the US as one of the star-studded music event’s red carpet presenters, the former Capital Breakfast host hopes to see her ex and his wife there. “If I see them, we’ll definitely have a chat”.
Last summer, Tallia said she believed the Beckhams ‘fall out and make up’ like any other family, but do ‘love each other’. Her opinion on that, sadly, has now changed entirely.
I like to keep my optimism going because my family is big and we are close, so I’d hate to split up with them. We always come to terms with our differences, despite how often I fight with my family. What’s it all for, my mother always reminds me of: if your family isn’t happy, how much fame and money suffice?
“Maybe that’s the Beckhams’ issue.” They forbid any typical ups and downs. Perhaps the picture-perfect life has taken a toll. Simply put, I’m not sure. But sadly, I don’t believe there will ever be a return.
Coronation Street’s Will Driscoll is at the centre of a harrowing grooming storyline – but how old is actor Lucas Hodgson-Wale?
Actor Lucas joined the ITV soap last year when Will moved from Hull to Weatherfield with his family: dad Ben (Aaron McCusker), grandmother Maggie (Pauline McLynn) and Ben’s girlfriend Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) who returned after seven years.
However, it was later revealed that Will was being groomed by his athletics coach Megan (Beth Nixon), who ended up moving to Weatherfield to continue their relationship.
With a new teaching job at Weatherfield High, Megan has also struck up a romance with Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) – much to Will’s annoyance and jealousy.
Will and Megan’s secret relationship has gone unnoticed so far and Will’s family are none the wiser about Megan’s true colours. This month though, the soap dropped a huge baby bombshell when it was revealed that Megan was pregnant.
Megan chose to keep the child despite having an abortion planned, and this week she revealed to Will that he was actually his real father. Will told her he wanted to be involved, even though she was initially shocked.
Megan and Will traveled to A&, E on Tuesday (January 20) to get checked out in the midst of their fears for their unborn child. The pair were almost caught after Will’s dad, Ben, was taken to the hospital with chest pains.
Later, Megan informed Will that their baby was fine and showed him an ultrasound of the baby, which delighted him. She then cautioned him that until they have enough money to leave the street, they should keep their distance for the time being.
Lucas’ first TV role aside from the long-running soap is Coronation Street. And while Will is 16 years old, a soap representative has just confirmed Lucas is 17 years old, Reach was previously told.
Beth Nixon, a 25-year-old actress, turns 26 later this year. Corrie is the York native’s first television job, just like Lucas. She auditioned for the role of evil Megan on the soap twice before.
“I auditioned for a girl who was struggling with Lauren at the mother and baby unit, then for the part of Lauren Bolton.” My agent called me, explained the role, and inquired about an audition, according to her. In her 2022 debut, actress Cait Fitton made her comedic debut. Since then, she hasn’t stopped on the program.
Steve Tandy is confident that Wales’ players won’t be stifled by the uncertainty surrounding Ospreys and Cardiff’s prospects during the Six Nations.
On Tuesday, the head coach announced his championship squad, but his choices were lost in a day filled with rugby politics.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced on Monday night that Cardiff might have a “period of exclusivity” with potential new owners.
Although they have not named their preferred bidder, it is known that Y11 Sport &, Media are the owners of the Ospreys.
The WRU would have a simpler transition from four men’s professional clubs to three if they were to take control of the Blue and Blacks in 2025.
Tandy acknowledges that this is a disturbing situation, adding that he has selected seven players from both Ospreys and Cardiff.
Being truthful with them is what I mean by being open to speculation and doubt about many things.
We must be open if they have something to share, if they want more clarity, or if they want to talk about anything.
We can’t run away from it or pretend it’s not happening, the other person said.
Although it’s far from perfect, “I think that worked well for us in the fall,” in my opinion, putting the players, the staff, and the people at the center of it.
I’ll be speaking with the players if they have any reservations or if they want to speak with someone.
Tandy avoided speaking out in front of the media, but the former flanker is more knowledgeable about the harm a cutting Osprey would cause.
After winning the Pro12 title at Neath, the 46-year-old led the region to the region’s 102 games.
Tandy remarked, “If you were a member of any club, it would hurt and sting.” Every club has a lot of history, according to the manager.
I’m proud of my Ospreys’ accomplishments, but I’m also aware that Cardiff, Scarlets, and Dragons are all places where I take pride.
Tandy was aware that the position in Wales had a lot of off-field baggage when he quit his position as Scotland defense coach last summer.
He said, “That’s my job, to be a head coach.” I want to lead both our staff and the players the best.
We want to make sure we connect with our audience and demonstrate what the boys can do, and we want to make sure they enjoy coming in and feel a part of it.
“I love coming here, I love my job, and I believe everyone has a name.” We must keep creating this environment.
Just weeks prior to the England home defeat, a player strike had figurably been avoided in the final Six Nations game against Italy in 2023.
Tandy hopes that the situation, in which the Ospreys squad expressed their dissatisfaction with being left in the dark, does not lead to another incident.
That is more speculative, I suppose. He said, “I’ll be in constant conversation with the players about their feelings and any frustrations.”
