Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has appealed for calm and dialogue, dismissing the prospect of a US military invasion of Greenland amidst escalating threats from former President Donald Trump over the Arctic territory.
Downing Street Calls for Diplomatic Resolution
In an emergency address from Number 10 on Monday 19 January 2026, Sir Keir insisted the dispute should be settled through "calm discussion between allies", not through military action or a trade war. He directly addressed Mr Trump's threats to impose punishing tariffs on the UK and several NATO allies unless a deal is reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
The Prime Minister was sceptical about the seriousness of an invasion threat. Asked by reporters if he believed Mr Trump was genuinely prepared to invade the mineral-rich island, Sir Keir stated: "I don't, actually." He emphasised that the future sovereignty of Greenland is a matter solely for its people and Denmark.
Trump's Tariff Ultimatum and Allied Response
The crisis intensified when Donald Trump declared he would charge Britain a 10% tariff "on any and all goods" sent to the US from 1 February, rising to 25% from 1 June. He issued the same ultimatum to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland, linking the measures directly to the acquisition of Greenland. Mr Trump has not ruled out military action to achieve his aim.
Sir Keir was unequivocal in his condemnation, stating: "The use of tariffs against allies is completely wrong. It is not the right way to resolve differences within an alliance." The gravity of the situation was underscored by the presence of Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the audience for the PM's statement, having cancelled a scheduled event at the London Stock Exchange.
Diplomatic Flurry and Cross-Party Condemnation
The Prime Minister engaged in a diplomatic blitz on Sunday, telling Mr Trump over the phone that his trade war threats were "completely wrong". Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met her Danish counterpart, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, in London on Monday afternoon, where they reiterated the UK's support.
Mr Rasmussen thanked the UK for its backing, urging allies to "combine forces" in support of international principles. The political spectrum in Britain showed rare unity in criticising the US president's actions.
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge labelled the threats "totally unacceptable", while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey branded them "economic thuggery" and called for a coordinated tariff response with European allies. Reform UK's Nigel Farage, while favouring negotiation, agreed the tariff threats were "wrong".
Sir Keir confirmed he would speak to Mr Trump again "in the coming days", as key figures including Chancellor Reeves and the Foreign Secretary prepare to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos.
