Britain's Defence Secretary has issued a stark warning that the United Kingdom will not permit its military facilities to be used in any potential American invasion of Greenland, following provocative comments from former US President Donald Trump.
Healey Draws a Line in the Arctic
John Healey, the UK's Defence Secretary, made the firm declaration on Friday 09 January 2026. He emphasised that Greenland and Denmark are valued NATO allies, and any support from British forces would require both a legitimate purpose and a solid legal foundation. This position directly counters recent rhetoric from Donald Trump, who has threatened to acquire the vast Arctic territory "the easy or the hard way."
The Source of the Tension
The controversy stems from Trump's expressed fears that strategic rivals Russia or China could seek control of Greenland if the United States does not. He has framed the potential acquisition as a matter of global security. However, this stance has been met with immediate and forceful rejection from Copenhagen. Denmark, which governs Greenland's foreign and defence policy, has flatly refused to entertain the idea of a sale.
In a significant escalation, Denmark's own defence minister has warned that any attempted invasion would be met with military action, underscoring the seriousness with which the proposal is viewed.
European Allies Close Ranks
The UK's position aligns it closely with other European partners who have united in criticism of Trump's stance. There is a broad consensus among NATO members to defend Greenland's territorial integrity. The Trump administration's argument that control of the territory is vital for worldwide security has thus far failed to gain traction within the alliance, highlighting a significant diplomatic rift.
Healey's unambiguous statement, that Britain will never help the US invade Greenland, serves as a clear marker of the UK's commitment to international law and alliance solidarity, even when faced with pressure from a historically close ally.
