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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday strongly rejected US President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on eight European countries over Greenland, calling the use of trade penalties against allies "completely wrong."
Starmer's statement came hours after Trump announced plans to levy new tariffs on goods from the European nations beginning Feb. 1, with rates set to increase sharply in June. The US president cited "national security" concerns related to Greenland as justification for the trade measures.
"Putting tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong," Starmer said in a statement reported by the BBC, adding that Britain would pursue the matter directly with the US administration.
The British leader reiterated his government's position that Greenland is part of Denmark and that decisions about the territory's future rest with Greenlanders and Danes. Starmer emphasized that Arctic security concerns affect all NATO members and called for greater collective action among allies to counter Russian threats across different parts of the Arctic.
Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has drawn increasing US interest due to its strategic Arctic location, vast mineral resources, and concerns about growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region. The island's position makes it significant for military and economic interests as climate change opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources.
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Trump has repeatedly stated that the United States must acquire Greenland for national security purposes and to prevent Russia or China from gaining control of the territory. However, both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any proposals to sell the island, reaffirming Danish sovereignty.
The tariff threats represent an escalation in Trump's campaign to pressure Denmark over Greenland's status, using economic leverage to advance what he frames as a strategic imperative for American security interests in the Arctic region.
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