In a surprising display of resolve, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a hardline stance against US President Donald Trump’s aggressive posturing over the Chagos Islands and his threats of tariffs on Greenland. This marked shift in tone from the typically diplomatic Starmer has caught many off guard, signaling a growing frustration with the unpredictable American leader.
Historically, Starmer has favoured a “softly-softly” approach, prioritising private diplomacy and building close ties with the White House in the hopes of wielding greater influence. However, Trump’s recent actions, including his threats to impose a 25% tariff on European allies opposed to the US takeover of Greenland, have pushed the Prime Minister to a breaking point.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Starmer firmly declared that he would not yield to Trump’s demands, stating: “President Trump deployed words on Chagos yesterday that were different to his previous words of welcome and support. He deployed those words for the express purpose of putting pressure on me and Britain. He wants me to yield on my position, and I’m not going to do so… I will not yield. Britain will not yield on our principles and values about the future of Greenland and the threats of tariffs.”
This forceful response, a stark departure from Starmer’s typically measured rhetoric, has caught the attention of both domestic and international observers. One cabinet minister noted, “Keir is usually very English about it all: polite, civil, plain-speaking, not prone to drama. In the context of all that, he was actually very robust and that will have been noted in Washington.”
While some within the Labour Party have called for Starmer to take an even tougher stance, the Prime Minister appears to be carefully calibrating his response, recognizing the delicate balance of maintaining the transatlantic relationship. However, should Trump’s aggression escalate, it is clear that Starmer is prepared to match it with a more robust and unyielding defence of Britain’s principles and values.
