Starmer to face first PMQs of 2026 after pledging boots on the ground in Ukraine

Sir Keir Starmer is to face MPs for his first Prime Minister’s Questions of the year after pledging to put British boots on the ground in the Ukraine once the war is over.

British and French forces will be placed in “military hubs” in Ukraine as part of peacekeeping efforts in the event a ceasefire is brokered, the Prime Minister said on Tuesday.

They would help to train Ukrainian troops and protect stocks of weaponry, aimed at deterring future Russian aggression, it was revealed following a meeting of the coalition of the willing in Paris.

The US has meanwhile signalled it will provide a security guarantee to the European-led peacekeeping efforts, something which Donald Trump has previously appeared reluctant to do.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff said the president “strongly stands behind” a security guarantee, though details of how this would work were not revealed.

The Commons will likely be updated by a minister on Wednesday following the Prime Minister’s discussions on Paris.

Elsewhere, European leaders and the Trump administration remain at odds over the US president’s desire to take over Greenland, the vast Arctic island which is an autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark.

Using the US military is “always an option” for the president, the White House said of the proposed annexation on Tuesday, after it revealed Mr Trump has been discussing a “range of options” to acquire Greenland.

Sir Keir joined European leaders in rallying alongside Denmark earlier on Tuesday, insisting they will “not stop defending” Greenland’s territorial integrity.

Danish PM Mette Frederiksen warned America seizing her country’s territory could spell the end of Nato.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy will meanwhile continue discussions over Ukraine with US vice president JD Vance on Wednesday in Washington DC.

Mr Lammy is travelling to Washington to take part in celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.