Prime Minister Keir Starmer and opposition leaders have strongly criticised US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 10% tariffs on the UK and several other European countries over their involvement in Greenland. The tariffs, which could rise to 25% by June if a deal to buy Greenland is not reached, have been described as a “very dangerous situation” by Trump.
Starmer stated that the UK’s position on Greenland is clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and its future should be determined by the Greenlanders and the Danes. He added that Arctic security is a concern for the entire NATO alliance, and allies should work together to address the threat from Russia in the region. Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing collective security, he said, is “completely wrong”, and the UK will be raising this directly with the US administration.
Opposition politicians have also condemned Trump’s threats. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the tariffs would be “yet another burden for businesses across our country”, and that the sovereignty of Greenland should be decided by its people. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused Starmer’s US policy of being “in tatters”, and called on the Prime Minister to “stand firm against the bully in the White House”.
Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform party, said the tariffs would “hurt” the UK, while Labour MP Stella Creasy argued that Trump’s actions mean it’s “make your mind up time” for the UK, as it can no longer rely on the US as an ally.
Lord Peter Ricketts, a former national security adviser and senior diplomat, advised European countries to “react very calmly” and continue making the case that the US can have its security interests served by working with Denmark and NATO. He suggested that private discussions, rather than public confrontation, may be the best way to persuade Trump to reconsider his approach.
