Starmer condemns Trump’s threat of UK tariffs over Greenland

Sir Keir Starmer has hit back at Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs against countries that oppose the US’s attempt to seize control of Greenland.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump said that multiple European countries, including the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland would be hit with a 10 per cent tariff from February 1, in response to their position on the matter.

He went on to accuse the countries of orchestrating a “very dangerous situation for the safety, security, and survival of our planet” after they sent a modest supply of troops to Greenland to help Denmark’s military exercises.

He maintained that the tariffs were necessary to protect “global peace and security”.

The tariffs would increase to 25 per cent on June 1 and would continue to escalate until the US was able to successfully purchase Greenland, the US President said.

The comments were met with condemnation by Sir Keir Starmer, who maintained his belief in the right of the nation to exist without US interference.

He wrote on X: “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.

“We have also made clear that Arctic security matters for the whole of Nato and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic.

“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative party, also criticised the US president in his approach to Greenland, branding his response a “terrible idea”.

Writing on X, she said: A terrible idea. President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland. People in both UK and US will face higher costs.