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The UK government has made it clear that it will not waver on the stance that the future of Greenland should be determined solely by its own people. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized this position in light of recent tensions sparked by the US administration’s interest in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory. Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Nandy described the threats of tariffs from the US as “deeply unhelpful and counterproductive,” calling instead for a more mature and constructive dialogue between the UK and the White House.
Nandy reiterated that the future governance of Greenland is a matter exclusively for its inhabitants and the Kingdom of Denmark. She noted that although the UK Prime Minister had yet to engage directly with the US President since the announcement, there was an intention to initiate discussions at the earliest opportunity. Reflecting on US President Donald Trump’s approach, she acknowledged that he often presents strong opinions upfront but usually promotes negotiation afterward. However, she insisted the UK would never compromise on the principle that Greenland’s fate is non-negotiable and must be decided by its people.
The proposed US tariffs, set to be imposed on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, are scheduled to come into effect on February 1st, with the potential to rise up to 25%. These measures are reportedly linked to the US administration’s push for taking control of Greenland, which Trump claims is vital to American security interests. The White House has even hinted at more forceful options, though US House Speaker Mike Johnson downplayed the likelihood of military action, advocating for diplomacy instead. Johnson acknowledged Greenland’s strategic importance but affirmed it did not belong to the United States.
Reactions across the UK political landscape have been broadly critical of the US stance. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described the move as “completely wrong” and committed to engaging the US administration directly on the matter. Other figures, including Reform UK MP Richard Tice and Conservative MP Sir Jeremy Hunt, have voiced concerns about the approach, with Hunt warning that any invasion of a NATO ally’s territory would undermine the alliance itself. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labeled the tariffs a “terrible idea” that would place additional burdens on British businesses while affirming that Greenland’s sovereignty remains with its people. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and Green Party’s Ellie Chowns both condemned the US actions, viewing them as punitive and coercive toward allies
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