Morning briefing Thursday 22nd January

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0:35This is Times Radio's morning briefing on Thursday the 22nd of January. President Trump has backed down from his threat to impose tariffs on the UK and other allies by announcing a framework deal for Greenland and the Arctic region. During his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump had demanded immediate talks to discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States. But after meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutter, Trump said an agreement had been reached to hold negotiations to benefit all nations of the alliance. Rasmus Jalov is the chair of the Danish Defence Committee.

1:12Speaking to Times Radio, he said there had been no consultation with Denmark itself. We haven't agreed to it yet and the Green Labors haven't agreed to it. So let's see what's in it. But it is better than talks about a military invasion and a war between Denmark and the United States, which is actually what we have been discussing. So, of course, that is a positive development. and hopefully it can lead us to constructive talks about what it is that we can concretely do for the Americans. In his earlier address to delegates in Davos, Trump ruled out the use of force against Greenland, but stressed only the United States could secure the Arctic territory.

1:48Sir Liam Fox is a former Secretary of State for Defence and International Trade. Speaking to Times Radio, he said that despite Trump's remarks, he believes the US will stay committed to NATO. It's inconceivable, I think, that there would be a Russian or a Chinese attack on Europe that the United States did not respond to. So I think you can park that into the territory of rhetoric, but I do think that there does need to be concerted action about what the European wing of NATO, if you like, is capable of doing. A ban on social media for under-16s has been backed by the House of Lords, following growing calls from a number of high-profile campaigners.

2:29In a heavy government defeat, Piers supported the cross-party move, meaning the bill will return to the Commons. Among those who voted against the ban was Biban Kidron, Baroness Kidron, an advocate for children's rights in the digital world. There are very good reasons all the child safety experts and organisations have urged the government not to settle for a social media ban. Possibly the biggest thing is that it sends a dangerous message to a demographic that already experiences widespread disaffection, that while the future is all digital and AI, they are not invited. A survey of reception class teachers has found that more than a quarter of children starting school are unable to use books correctly.

3:14Some even swipe or tap them as if they were digital devices. According to the survey commissioned by the early years charity Kindred Squared, more than a half of staff said children's and parents' excessive screen time was a key factor in children not being ready to start school. The political correspondent Alicia Fitzgerald says it's symptomatic of wider behavioural problems. Things do change and times do move on. I don't think that's to belittle this whatsoever. But I do think it's important to remember that technology is a big part of our life. There is no going back from that, really. And we need to find a way to make that work rather than just run away from it, I suppose.

3:50There's more on these stories throughout the day on Times Radio.

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