Prime Minister Keir Starmer has directly challenged former US President Donald Trump over his threat to impose punitive tariffs on the United Kingdom and other NATO allies, branding the move "wrong" and a risk to transatlantic security.
Urgent Diplomatic Calls Follow Tariff Ultimatum
The high-stakes telephone conversation took place on the evening of 18 January 2026, following a series of urgent discussions the Prime Minister held with other world leaders. The diplomatic flurry was triggered by Mr Trump's warning that he would slap 10% tariffs on countries, including the UK, for opposing his desired takeover of Greenland.
Downing Street confirmed that prior to speaking with Mr Trump, Sir Keir had consulted with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
A Number 10 spokesperson stated: "In all his calls, the Prime Minister reiterated his position on Greenland. He said that security in the High North is a priority for all NATO allies in order to protect Euro-Atlantic interests. He also said that applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong."
A Unified NATO Front Against 'Dangerous' Spiral
The Prime Minister's firm stance reflects a broader, coordinated response from European allies. In a powerful joint statement, the governments of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom collectively pushed back against the US threats.
They declared: "Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty."
The statement emphasised full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, insisting that Arctic security is a shared transatlantic interest. It also defended a recent Danish-led military exercise, 'Arctic Endurance', as posing "no threat to anyone."
UK Ministers Insist Stance is 'Non-Negotiable'
Earlier in the day, UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy underscored the government's unwavering position. She told broadcasters that the UK's view on Greenland's future being determined by its people and the Kingdom of Denmark was "non-negotiable."
"This conversation about tariffs, we believe it is wrong, it is deeply unhelpful and we believe it is counterproductive," Ms Nandy stated on the BBC. While stressing the importance of the UK-US relationship, she made clear the government would not be drawn into a public "war of words" but would continue to assert its principles firmly.
The US President's tariff threat is not static. Mr Trump has warned that if a deal to purchase Greenland is not reached, the levies on NATO allies could be hiked to a staggering 25% from 1 June. This escalation has prompted EU ambassadors to be summoned for emergency talks.
The strong language from London and other European capitals signals a significant diplomatic rift. With French President Emmanuel Macron vowing not to bow to "intimidation" and Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stating "we will not let ourselves be blackmailed," the stage is set for a protracted standoff over Arctic sovereignty and the future of transatlantic trade relations.
