British PM warns Trump of ‘wrong’ move against NATO

Keir Starmer has denounced the US president’s intention to impose tariffs on the bloc’s members

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly criticized US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and other European NATO members in his pursuit for a “complete and total purchase” of Greenland. 

The tariffs, announced by Trump on Saturday, target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, all of which recently sent small military contingents to the Danish autonomous territory.

“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong,” the British PM wrote in a post on X, adding the London "made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of NATO."

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…

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 17, 2026

Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s position that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that its future is solely a matter for its people and the Danish government. He pledged that the British government would pursue the issue directly with the US administration.

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The British PM's statement adds to a chorus of criticism from the leaders of other affected states. French President Emmanuel Macron earlier called such tariff threats “unacceptable.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said “we will not let ourselves be blackmailed.” Finland’s president Alexander Stubb denounced tariff “pressure” and said it “could lead to a harmful spiral.”

Top European Union officials similarly warned they “would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.” The dispute has prompted an emergency meeting of EU ambassadors to coordinate a response.

President Trump has persistently sought to acquire the strategically significant Arctic island since his first term, citing national security and alleged competition with Russia and China. Both Danish and Greenlandic authorities have consistently and firmly asserted sovereignty, insisting that the island is not for sale.