Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has joined forces with key European allies to issue a firm defence of Greenland's territorial integrity, following renewed threats from former US President Donald Trump to annex the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
A United Front Against Annexation
In a powerful joint statement released on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, Sir Keir and the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark presented a unified stance. They declared they would "not stop defending" the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Mr Trump's assertions that taking control of Greenland is vital for American national security.
The leaders acknowledged the United States as an "essential partner" in NATO and through a historic 1951 defence pact with Denmark. However, they stressed unequivocally that security in the increasingly strategic Arctic region "must be achieved collectively" by upholding international law.
Greenland "Belongs to Its People"
The core of the European leaders' message was a clear rebuke of any external claims over Greenland. "Greenland belongs to its people," the statement read. "It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."
This position was echoed by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who earlier told Sky News that the UK and NATO were "doubling down" on support for Denmark. He emphasised that Greenland was already a contributor to the alliance's collective security as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO member since the bloc's founding.
Dire Warnings for NATO's Future
The diplomatic row carries grave implications for the transatlantic military alliance. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any US military effort to seize Greenland would mean the end of NATO. In comments to broadcaster TV2, she stated, "If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops."
Mr Streeting reinforced the severity of the moment, highlighting the existing threat from Russia. "At a time when we can see the security of NATO members and the alliance at threat... this is not the time to destabilise NATO and to undermine our collective security," he said.
The Prime Minister has consistently affirmed that the UK "stands with" Denmark on this issue. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sir Keir reiterated that the future of Greenland is a matter solely for its people and the Danish government.
