UK pushes back as Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday warned that a trade war would be “in no one’s interest” after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Britain and several European countries over their support for Greenland.
Speaking at a hastily convened press conference in London, Starmer said the use of tariffs against close allies was “completely wrong”, stressing that alliances must be built on partnership rather than pressure.
“The use of tariffs against allies is completely wrong,” Starmer said, responding to Trump’s warning that Britain, Denmark — which administers the autonomous Arctic territory of Greenland — and other European nations could face trade penalties unless Greenland was ceded to the United States.
“Alliances endure because they are built on respect and partnership, not pressure,” the prime minister added.
‘Dialogue rooted in respect’
Starmer revealed that he had spoken to Trump by phone on Sunday, urging the US president to seek a resolution grounded in cooperation.
“I urged the president to find a solution rooted in partnership, facts and mutual respect,” he said, adding that Britain would keep diplomatic channels open despite rising tensions.
“We will keep dialogue open. We will defend international law and we will use the full strength of government, at home and abroad, to protect the security, living standards and future of the British people,” Starmer said.
While underlining the importance of the UK–US relationship, the prime minister said Britain would not compromise its national interests.
“We’ve worked very closely with the United States, and we must never lose sight of our national interest in that,” he said.
Balancing act between US and Europe
Starmer acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but rejected suggestions that Britain would be forced to choose between Washington and its European partners.
“This is a serious situation, but it will not push us to choose between the US and Europe,” he said, as the UK navigates an increasingly delicate diplomatic balancing act between its two closest allies.
His remarks came amid growing concern across Europe over Trump’s comments, which have triggered fears of a broader transatlantic trade confrontation.
Germany’s vice-chancellor earlier on Monday said Europe was preparing countermeasures in response to what he described as US “blackmail” over Greenland.
Starmer said there was “proper unity and coordination” between the UK and the European Union in responding to the latest developments, though he indicated that Britain was not yet considering retaliatory tariffs.
“We are not at the stage of thinking about imposing retaliatory tariffs,” he said, signalling London’s preference for de-escalation.
Greenland tensions widen transatlantic rift
Trump’s repeated remarks about Greenland — a strategically important Arctic territory rich in natural resources — have heightened diplomatic tensions between the US and Europe. Denmark has firmly rejected any suggestion of ceding the island, while European leaders have rallied around Copenhagen.
Starmer’s intervention positions the UK alongside its European partners, even as London seeks to preserve its close security and economic ties with Washington.
With global trade already under strain and geopolitical tensions rising, the prime minister warned that further escalation would only damage shared prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.
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