UK PM Starmer rejects US tariff threats over Greenland, calls for alliance unity
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said US plans to impose tariffs on the UK and other European allies are not the right way to resolve disputes, stressing that Greenland’s future belongs to its people and Denmark alone.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly criticized the United States’ plan to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and seven other European nations, stating that such measures are not an appropriate way to address disagreements within an alliance. Speaking at a press conference at 10 Downing Street, Starmer ruled out retaliatory tariffs, emphasizing that a trade war is “in nobody’s interest” and that his duty is to act in the UK’s national interest.
Reaffirming Greenland’s Sovereignty and Arctic Security
Starmer underscored that the decision regarding Greenland’s future “belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone.” He also highlighted the growing strategic importance of the Arctic, noting that as climate change reshapes the region and opens new sea routes, “greater attention, greater investment, and stronger collective defense” will be needed. The Prime Minister affirmed that the UK stands ready to contribute to Arctic security through NATO, with the United States playing a central role.
Context of US Tariff Announcement
The statement comes after US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would impose 10% tariffs on goods from the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, with rates rising to 25% by June 1. Trump linked the tariffs to the countries’ opposition to US control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory he has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring.
Diplomatic and Strategic Implications
Starmer’s remarks reflect a broader European effort to counter US pressure while maintaining transatlantic cohesion on security matters. By rejecting tariffs but reaffirming commitment to NATO and Arctic defense, the UK aims to balance economic diplomacy with strategic solidarity. The response signals that European allies are unwilling to accept trade penalties as leverage in a sovereignty dispute, setting the stage for continued diplomatic friction ahead of the planned tariff implementation.
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