Starmer Rebukes Trump Over Greenland Tariff Threats, Urges Calm Among Allies

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday issued an unusually direct rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump over the president's threats to impose tariffs on countries responding to developments in Greenland. Starmer called the tariff threats "completely wrong" and said any decision about Greenland's future rests with "the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone."

Call For Diplomacy, Not Retaliation

When asked how the U.K. should respond, Starmer recommended "calm discussion between allies" rather than retaliatory trade measures. He also stressed that King Charles's planned visit to the United States in April should proceed, arguing that cooperation on security and defence requires a strong relationship with the U.S.

U.S. Threats And Strategic Interests

In recent weeks, Mr Trump has intensified threats to seize the semi-sovereign Danish territory, saying Greenland is vital to U.S. national security. The United States operates Pituffik Space Base on the mineral-rich island. On Saturday, the president warned of 10 percent tariffs on goods imported from the U.K., Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland starting Feb. 1, with the levies rising to 25 percent on June 1 if a deal to transfer control of Greenland to the U.S. is not reached.

"We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!"

Talks, Reactions And Political Fallout

Starmer said he had spoken with the president and with European leaders on Sunday to try to "find a solution rooted in partnership, facts and mutual respect." He added: "Alliances endure because they're built on respect and partnership, not pressure. That is why I said the use of tariffs against allies is completely wrong."

Responses in the U.K. were mixed. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticised Starmer for appearing to rule out retaliatory tariffs, calling the stance "weak" on the social platform X. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party and a Trump ally, said he planned to raise the tariff threat with U.S. officials in Davos, telling GB News he would warn that "this is not the way you treat your best friend."

The dispute highlights rising tensions between the U.S. and European allies over Arctic security, strategic resources and the future governance of Greenland.