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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed escalating tensions following former US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a possible 10% tariff on imports from the UK and other countries opposing his plan to acquire Greenland. Speaking from Downing Street, Sir Keir emphasized that a trade war would be detrimental to all involved, advocating instead for dialogue and calm negotiation. He criticized the imposition of tariffs on allies as an inappropriate means of resolving international disputes, underscoring that decisions about Greenland’s future should be determined by the people of Greenland and Denmark.
Starmer stressed the importance of standing by principle while adopting a pragmatic stance that acknowledges the economic and strategic significance of the UK-US alliance. While dismissing the likelihood of Trump pursuing military action over Greenland, the Prime Minister recognized the seriousness of the situation and called for national unity. He also expressed appreciation for Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s support regarding the sovereignty issue and countered any “performative” political moves that might undermine working people whose livelihoods depend on stable global relationships.
Reaffirming the value of cooperation between the UK and the US, Sir Keir pointed to ongoing partnerships in defense, nuclear security, and intelligence sharing. When questioned about the possibility of retaliatory tariffs in response to US measures, he remained focused on preventing such escalation rather than engaging in tit-for-tat economic actions. European leaders are expected to raise concerns about Greenland during the World Economic Forum in Davos. While French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested retaliating with trade countermeasures, Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has cautioned about the costs of a trade conflict.
The US interest in Greenland is partly justified by its strategic location for early missile warning systems and monitoring Arctic activities, as well as the potential natural resources the island holds amid melting ice due to climate change. Trump has insisted that acquiring Greenland is vital for US and international security, warning that without American control, rival powers such as Russia or China might seize it. His announced tariffs, set to begin from February 1 and increase mid-year, threaten to impact the UK economy significantly, as America is the country’s largest single overseas market. The announcement already contributed to a decline in European stock markets, particularly affecting sectors such as automotive and luxury goods.
Domestic reactions have been mixed. Kemi Badenoch agreed with the Prime Minister on Greenland’s sovereignty and condemned the tariff threats as counterproductive. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney also criticized the use of tariffs as leverage, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey expressed disappointment over Starmer ruling out retaliatory tariffs, suggesting that keeping such options visible is essential to stand firm against bully tactics. Reform UK’s Nigel Farage emphasized that Brexit allows the UK to negotiate independently with the US and intends to discuss the situation directly with Trump’s team at Davos. Former British ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson praised Starmer’s measured approach, highlighting that President Trump prefers direct but respectful communication rather than confrontational posturing
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