Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump today to address proposed trade tariffs and the ongoing diplomatic situation regarding Greenland.
BREAKING: Trump’s Greenland threat risks ‘dangerous downward spiral’, UK says in joint statement with European allies – Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. https://t.co/xExBNidf07
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Defending NATO Solidarity and Collective Security
During the call, the Prime Minister explicitly informed President Trump that the application of trade levies against allies is “wrong.” The Prime Minister underscored that the security of the High North remains a paramount priority for all NATO members to protect Euro-Atlantic interests.
The Prime Minister reiterated the United Kingdom’s unwavering position: the future of Greenland must be determined solely by its own people and the Kingdom of Denmark. He stressed that penalizing allies for pursuing collective security objectives is counterproductive to the strength of the alliance.
International Coordination
Prior to the call, the Prime Minister coordinated extensively with key European and defense partners, speaking with:
- Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark
- Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
- Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General
The UK remains a signatory to a joint statement alongside Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. This coalition stands in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark, warning that the proposed 10% levy—potentially rising to 25% by June—risks a “dangerous downward spiral” in transatlantic relations.
Non-Negotiable Sovereignty
The UK Government maintains that while the Arctic holds significant strategic and resource importance, sovereignty is not for sale. Following the call, Government representatives confirmed that the UK’s position on Greenland’s autonomy is “non-negotiable.”\
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The Prime Minister remains committed to an “adult debate” with the White House to resolve these trade threats while ensuring that the territorial integrity of NATO allies is respected.
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