If you woke up in London this morning, you probably noticed two things immediately: it's freezing, and the news is surprisingly weird. Honestly, it’s one of those days where the headlines feel like a fever dream. While most of the city was nursing a Sunday hangover or huddled under a duvet, a bizarre mix of international diplomacy and high-stakes basketball was taking over the capital.
Basically, if you’re asking what happened in London England today, the answer involves a heckler at the O2 Arena, some very intense phone calls at 10 Downing Street, and a whole lot of talk about a country that isn't even in the UK.
The NBA London Game: Politics Meets the Hardwood
The biggest physical event in the city today was the NBA regular-season game at the O2 Arena. The Memphis Grizzlies took on the Orlando Magic. It’s always a spectacle when the American league comes to town, but today wasn't just about Ja Morant’s return (though he did drop 24 points and 13 assists like it was nothing).
The real "did that just happen?" moment came before the whistle even blew.
Vanessa Williams was center court, singing "The Star-Spangled Banner." It was a moment of typical sporting ceremony until a heckler decided to make a very loud point. As the anthem filled the arena, someone screamed, "Leave Greenland alone!" The crowd didn't boo. They cheered.
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It sounds random, right? But it’s actually the boiling point of a massive diplomatic row. President Trump has been making noise lately about the US wanting to buy Greenland, and he’s threatened a 25% tariff on European nations—including the UK—if they don't play ball. Londoners, it seems, have some thoughts on that.
Keir Starmer’s Busy Sunday Afternoon
While the drama was unfolding at the O2, Prime Minister Keir Starmer wasn't exactly having a relaxing Sunday roast. He spent a significant portion of the day on the phone with world leaders.
According to the official word from 10 Downing Street, Starmer spoke with:
- Mette Frederiksen (Prime Minister of Denmark)
- Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission)
- Mark Rutte (NATO Secretary-General)
- And finally, President Trump himself.
The vibe of these calls? "Stiff resistance." Starmer basically told Trump that hitting allies with tariffs for protecting collective security is "completely wrong." It’s rare to see a UK PM be this blunt with a US President on a Sunday afternoon, but the Greenland situation has clearly touched a nerve.
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80 Years of the UN: A Bittersweet Anniversary
Away from the sports and the tariffs, something a bit more somber was happening in Central London. Today marks the 80th anniversary of the very first UN General Assembly. Back in 1946, they met at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster.
United Nations leaders, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, were back at that same hall today. But they weren't exactly celebrating. The speeches were heavy. Baerbock was pretty honest about it, saying the UN’s principles aren't just under pressure—they're under "heavy attack."
It’s a weird contrast. You have the idealism of 80 years ago clashing with the "buy a country or get taxed" reality of 2026.
What Else is Going On?
If you aren't into politics or basketball, London was still... well, London.
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The Walthamstow Flea Market was packed today. Over 60 vintage dealers took over Big Penny Social in East London. If you were looking for a mid-century lamp or a weirdly specific 90s denim jacket, that was the place to be.
Also, it was the final day for several major exhibitions. If you didn't catch the Wayne Thiebaud "American Still Life" show at the Courtauld Gallery or the "Egypt: Influencing British Design" exhibit at Sir John Soane’s Museum, you’ve officially missed out. They closed their doors tonight.
Why This Matters for You
What happened in London England today shows that the city is currently the middle ground for some massive global shifts. We aren't just seeing a basketball game; we're seeing how sports, trade, and history are all tangled up.
What you should do next:
- Check your travel plans: If you're heading into Central London tomorrow, be aware that the diplomatic activity today might lead to increased security or small-scale protests near the US Embassy in Nine Elms.
- Keep an eye on the markets: The 25% tariff threat is real. If you’re in business or tech that relies on US-UK trade, start looking at your supply chain contingencies before the February 1st deadline.
- Cultural pivot: Since several big museum shows ended today, the British Museum's "Hawai'i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans" is now the big ticket in town. Book your slots now because it’s going to get busy.
London didn't just have a Sunday; it had a geopolitical moment. Stay warm out there.