Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has downplayed the prospect of retaliatory tariffs against the United States, following Donald Trump's threat to impose fresh levies on NATO allies over a dispute concerning Greenland. Speaking at an emergency press conference on Monday, Starmer stated that US tariffs would damage the British economy and were 'in no one’s interests'. He emphasised a preference for 'calm discussion' with allies to resolve the row.
Despite growing domestic pressure for a more forceful response, Starmer said the UK had not reached the stage of imposing retaliatory tariffs. 'Threatening tariffs on allies is the wrong thing to do, completely wrong … A tariff war isn’t in anybody’s interests,' he told reporters. Downing Street sources indicated that the government is not yet ruling out tariffs entirely and will assess the situation as it develops.
The UK government is preparing a potential taxpayer-funded support package to shield British businesses if the US pushes ahead with its threats next month. Business Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed he had already spoken to Jaguar Land Rover about the tariff threats, stating he is 'always open to conversation about how we can support them'.
Trump has threatened to hit the UK and seven other European countries with a 10% levy on goods exports from 1 February, rising to 25% by June. In an interview with NBC, he insisted he would '100%' push ahead with his tariff plans. Despite Trump's belligerent rhetoric, Starmer said he did not believe the US president was genuinely considering military action in Greenland, adding that the issue 'can be resolved, and should be resolved, through calm discussion'.
The prime minister defended his diplomatic approach, stressing the vital importance of US cooperation in areas such as intelligence, the nuclear deterrent, and Ukraine. 'Alliances endure because they’re built on respect and partnership, not pressure,' he said. However, a YouGov poll on Monday found that two-thirds of Britons would support placing tariffs on American goods if Trump delivers on his threat.
