Keir Starmer criticized the imposition of tariffs by Donald Trump on countries opposing his attempt to acquire Greenland as “incorrect” during a series of conversations today, including one with the US President.
The UK Prime Minister engaged in urgent discussions with the US President following concerns raised by NATO members, including the UK, about the potential negative impact of Mr. Trump’s Greenland tariff threats on international relations.
A statement from Downing Street confirmed that the Prime Minister spoke with several leaders, such as the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte before conversing with President Trump.
During these calls, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of security in the High North for all NATO allies and condemned the application of tariffs on allies for pursuing collective security efforts within NATO.
President Trump recently announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on countries opposing his bid for Greenland, with a threat to raise tariffs on NATO allies to 25% by June 1 if a deal for acquiring Greenland is not achieved.
Cabinet ministers, including Keir Starmer, denounced the tariff threats as “entirely unjustifiable.” In a joint statement, several European countries reiterated their commitment to strengthening Arctic security as a mutual transatlantic interest and expressed solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
The nations emphasized the need for dialogue based on principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting the tariff threats as detrimental to transatlantic relations and emphasizing their commitment to upholding sovereignty.
Lisa Nandy, the UK’s Culture Secretary, affirmed the country’s unwavering stance on Greenland’s future, opposing Trump’s threats but aiming to avoid escalating tensions with the US. She reiterated that the UK’s position on Greenland’s sovereignty depends on the wishes of the Greenlandic and Danish people.
Amidst the escalating tensions, French President Emmanuel Macron and Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson both asserted their countries’ refusal to yield to intimidation or blackmail. EU ambassadors have been summoned for emergency discussions in response to the threats.
The situation remains fluid, with global leaders navigating diplomatic challenges to prevent a further deterioration of relations.