Sir Keir Starmer has hit back at Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs against countries that oppose the US’s attempt to seize control of Greenland.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said that multiple European countries, including the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland would be hit with a 10 per cent tariff from February 1, in response to their position on the matter.
He went on to accuse the countries of orchestrating a “very dangerous situation for the safety, security, and survival of our planet” after they sent a modest supply of troops to Greenland to help Denmark’s military exercises.
He maintained that the tariffs were necessary to protect “global peace and security”.
The tariffs would increase to 25 per cent on June 1 and would continue to escalate until the US was able to successfully purchase Greenland, the US President said.
The comments were met with condemnation by Sir Keir Starmer, who maintained his belief in the right of the nation to exist without US interference.
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.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 17, 2026
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…
He wrote on X: “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 from Russia across different parts of the Arctic.
“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative party, also criticised the US president in his approach to Greenland, branding his response a “terrible idea”.
A terrible idea. President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland. People in both UK and US will face higher costs.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) January 17, 2026
These tariffs will be yet another burden for businesses across our country. The sovereignty of Greenland should only be decided by… https://t.co/r4IHO2A1oK
Writing on X, she said: A terrible idea. President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland. People in both UK and US will face higher costs.
“These tariffs will be yet another burden for businesses across our country. The sovereignty of Greenland should only be decided by the people of Greenland.
In a surprising show of opposition unity, she added: “On this, I agree with Keir Starmer.”
The tariffs could impose a significant financial burden on Britain – 10 per cent would end up costing more than £6 billion a year. If the US President followed through on his threat of upping those tariffs to 25 per cent, that could end up costing over £15 billion, based on the UK’s total goods exports to the US, which totalled £61.5 billion in the 12 months to November, the Telegraph reported.
In his divisive Truth Social Post, Trump emphasised his commitment to the move, adding "World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing Denmark can do about it," Trump said.
He went on to claim that Greenland’s protection extends to two dogsleds.
