In a measured and pragmatic approach, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ruled out imposing retaliatory tariffs on the United States, stating that such actions would be “the wrong thing to do” and would damage the British economy. This stance comes in response to threats made by former US President Donald Trump to levy new taxes on imports from NATO allies, particularly in relation to the ongoing dispute over the future status of Greenland.
Addressing an emergency press conference in Downing Street, Starmer emphasized that US tariffs are “in no one’s interests” and that the UK would instead prefer to address the issue through “calm discussion” between allies. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Greenland dispute can be resolved through diplomatic means, stressing that the decision about Greenland’s future belongs solely to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.
Starmer’s firm stance on rejecting retaliatory tariffs places him on a collision course with the former US administration, as Trump had threatened to impose sanctions on eight European nations, including the UK, that have deployed troops to Greenland in response to US threats. However, the Prime Minister remains determined to maintain a “strong, constructive and focused on results” relationship with the United States, underscoring the importance of the security and defence ties between the two countries.
“A trade war is not in our interests, and therefore my first task is to ensure we don’t get to that place, which is what I’m focused on at the moment,” Starmer said, adding that the UK must find a “pragmatic, sensible, sustained way through this, that avoids some of the consequences that will be very serious for our country.”
The Prime Minister’s diplomatic approach has been praised by some, but has also faced growing pressure at home to condemn Trump’s actions more forcefully. Nonetheless, Starmer remains committed to maintaining a respectful alliance with the US, emphasizing that “alliances endure because they’re built on respect and partnership, not pressure.”
As the EU weighs up retaliatory tariffs on American goods and even the deployment of its most serious economic sanctions against the US, Starmer has stated that he is in close communication with European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to ensure a coordinated and unified response.
