Keir Starmer has criticized Donald Trump’s aggressive trade threats over Greenland as “completely wrong,” but indicated that the UK will not respond with retaliatory measures.
While maintaining that the UK government is prepared to uphold fundamental principles, Starmer adopted a noticeably more measured tone compared to other European leaders in response to the situation.
He emphasized the critical importance of the Transatlantic relationship, noting its deep significance, particularly as the UK’s nuclear deterrent depends on it.
Starmer’s remarks were delivered during an emergency press conference at Downing Street, following a rebuff from Trump to a personal appeal made by Starmer. Trump has renewed his unusual demands concerning the Danish territory of Greenland.
In a letter distributed overnight to Norway’s prime minister, Trump connected his interest in acquiring Greenland to his disappointment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
Starmer recognized the public’s frustration and underscored the necessity for the UK to “stand up for our values,” advocating for this to be achieved through “calm discussion” rather than immediate confrontation.
He appeared to dismiss the prospect of tit-for-tat retaliation to the tariff threats, even though European powers have been making clear they are ready to respond in kind. He also suggested that the King’s state visit to the US in April will not be cancelled.
The premier said he did not believe that Mr Trump was seriously considering invading Greenland – something he has repeatedly refused to rule out.
But he said: ‘There is a principle here that cannot be set aside because it goes to the heart of how stable and trusted international cooperation works.’
Sir Keir argued that the future of Greenland was for Denmark and the people of Greenland, adding ‘that right is fundamental and we support it’.
‘Alliances endure because they are built on respect… not on pressure,’ he added.
Mr Trump insisted overnight that he will get his way despite the personal plea and a joint statement from Western leaders warning of a ‘dangerous downward spiral’ in relations.
Posting on his own Truth Social site in the early hours, Mr Trump said: ‘NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland’.
Keir Starmer branded Donald Trump’s trade war threats ‘completely wrong’ today
Donald Trump has renewed his extraordinary Greenland demands just hours after a rebuke from Keir Starmer
Posting on his own Truth Social site in the early hours, Mr Trump said: ‘NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland”
‘Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!! President Donald J. Trump.’
Asked if he genuinely believed the US President was considering military action, Sir Keir told reporters: ‘I don’t, actually.
‘I think that this can be resolved and should be resolved through calm discussion, but with the application of the principles and values that I’ve set out in terms of who decides the future of Greenland, and making clear that the use of tariffs in this way is completely wrong.’
Mr Trump has vowed to impose a 10 per cent levy on all imports from countries opposing his landgrab – rising to 25 per cent if they have not caved in by June.
There are fears the move could cause major damage to the UK’s pharma and car manufacturing industries.
Some economists have raised concerns it could even tip the country into recession, partly due to the uncertainty created by Mr Trump’s chaotic behaviour.
However, while thanking Kemi Badenoch for her support, Sir Keir took a swipe at those pushing him to condemn the US and retaliate.
‘At moments like this, there will always be people who reach for the performative, who think an angry social media post or grandstanding is a substitute for hard work,’ he said.
‘That’s an understandable instinct, but it’s not effective. It never has been.’
Nigel Farage said it was ‘always difficult to tell’ whether Mr Trump was bluffing.
‘But to use economic threats against the country that’s been considered to be your closest ally for over a hundred years is not the kind of thing we would expect,’ he said today.
‘It’s wrong, it’s bad, it would be very very hurtful to us. I think we’re in a position where we can negotiate – we’re not tied.
‘We’re not tied by European Union trade rules, that does give us an advantage in these negotiations, but I would just say this: I’m all for Trump taking out enemies of the West. Maduro, the Iranian regime.
‘But, if he falls out with his own allies and leaves America isolated, that would be a very bad place to be.
‘I’m worried about it, I’m concerned about it, I’ve always been a supporter of the President since way before he got elected for the first time. But I will be having some words with the American administration in Davos on Wednesday on this issue.’
European leaders have been signalling a far more aggressive response.
The bloc is considering deploying its so-called trade ‘bazooka’ for the first time in retaliation, an economic tool that would hit the US with £81billion in tariffs.
The ‘big bazooka’ is an anti-coercion instrument adopted in 2023 to combat political blackmail.
It allows the EU to restrict countries from participating in public tenders, limit trade licences and shut off access to the single market.
But there was no sign of the White House backing down.
In a letter responding to a note from Jonas Støre about his tariff threats, Mr Trump linked his wish to seize Greenland from Denmark to not being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which he has repeatedly said he ‘deserves’.
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Should the UK risk its US alliance to defend Denmark and Greenland from Trump’s demands?
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper (left) and Chancellor Rachel Reeves (right) were in Downing Street for the press conference this morning
Greenlanders have been protesting in favour of self-governance and against US ownership
‘Dear Jonas: Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America’, Mr Trump reportedly said.
Norwegian tabloid VG claims to have spoken to Mr Støre who confirmed the letter is genuine.
The PM also said he has told Mr Trump repeatedly that it is ‘well known’ that the Norwegian government does not decide who wins the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mr Trump claimed Denmark only owns Greenland because ‘a boat landed there hundreds of years ago’. He went on: ‘Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway? There are no written documents’.
