London [UK], January 18, 2026, BNN Web Staff: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose trade tariffs on European nations over Greenland, describing the proposal as “completely wrong” and contrary to the spirit of allied cooperation.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s position that Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, stressing that decisions about its future rest solely with the people of Greenland and the Danish government.
The British Prime Minister also underlined the strategic importance of the Arctic, noting that security in the region is a collective responsibility of the NATO alliance. He emphasised that member states must work in unison to counter growing challenges posed by Russia across the Arctic region.
“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,” Starmer said. “Arctic security is an issue for the whole of NATO, and allies should strengthen cooperation to address threats in different parts of the region.”
Taking direct aim at Trump’s remarks, Starmer said that penalising allies with tariffs for pursuing shared security goals undermines NATO’s core principles. “Applying tariffs on allies for acting in the collective security interests of NATO is completely wrong. We will raise this matter directly with the US administration,” he added.
Trump on Saturday warned that the United States could impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and several European countries unless they agree to negotiations over the sale of Greenland. Claiming national security concerns linked to China and Russia’s growing interest in the Arctic, Trump said the move was necessary to protect US interests.
In a social media post, Trump outlined plans to levy a 10 per cent tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland starting February 1, 2026, with the rate rising to 25 per cent from June 1, 2026, unless an agreement is reached. He argued it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support.
Greenland’s strategic location and rich mineral resources have long attracted global attention, but leaders in Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected any suggestion of a sale, asserting their right to self-determination.
Meanwhile, several European nations—including Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Finland—have deployed small military contingents to Greenland, while Denmark has expanded its own presence in response to heightened Arctic tensions.
The escalating rhetoric has raised concerns across Europe about potential strain within NATO, with some leaders warning that any unilateral US attempt to acquire Greenland could seriously damage the alliance’s unity and credibility.
