Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly declared his support for Denmark, a key European and NATO ally, following controversial remarks from former US President Donald Trump regarding the potential annexation of Greenland.
Solidarity with a Sovereign Ally
Speaking during a visit to a community centre in Berkshire on Monday 05 January 2026, Sir Keir was asked about the robust statement from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who rejected any US claim to Greenland. The Labour leader told Sky News: “Well, I stand with her, and she’s right about the future of Greenland.”
He later reiterated this position to the BBC, stating unequivocally: “Yes,” he agreed with Danish calls for the US to cease its proposals. “Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark are to decide the future of Greenland, and only Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark,” Sir Keir asserted, emphasising the nation's status as a close European and NATO partner.
The Trump Threat and Arctic Ambitions
The diplomatic row was ignited after Donald Trump told The Atlantic magazine, “We do need Greenland, absolutely.” This comment followed a dramatic US-led operation in Venezuela that saw President Nicolas Maduro captured and removed to New York to face charges.
Trump's suggestion that Venezuela may not be the last target for intervention has spurred speculation among his allies about following through on long-held ambitions regarding Greenland. Notably, Katie Miller, wife of senior Trump aide Stephen Miller, posted an image of Greenland coloured in the US flag with the caption “soon.”
The motivations cited for acquiring the vast Arctic territory are twofold:
- Strategic defence against the perceived threats of Russia and China in the High Arctic.
- Access to Greenland's substantial natural resources, including oil, gas, and rare earth minerals.
NATO Fears and Diplomatic Balancing Act
The situation has raised significant alarm about the potential impact on the Western military alliance. Former Foreign Secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt warned the Commons that US attempts to annex Greenland, the sovereign territory of a NATO member, “could mean the end of the alliance with disastrous consequences.” He criticised the government for not being more categorical and questioned the Foreign Office's contingency planning.
In response, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated from the despatch box that Greenland's future was solely for Nuuk and Copenhagen to decide. Downing Street sought a conciliatory tone, focusing on the shared threat from Russia in the Arctic as a reason for NATO unity.
The Labour government, which has been forging closer ties with Denmark's similarly centre-left administration, particularly on policies like illegal migration, is now navigating a delicate rift between two crucial allies. Sir Keir is expected to discuss the matter directly with Donald Trump after a meeting of the coalition of Ukraine's allies on Tuesday.
