Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to deliver a significant address from Downing Street on Monday, responding directly to former US President Donald Trump's threats to impose punitive tariffs on the United Kingdom and several European allies.
Trump's Tariff Ultimatum Over Greenland
The crisis was triggered by Mr. Trump's announcement that he would charge the UK a 10% tariff on all goods exported to the United States from 1 February, escalating to a staggering 25% from 1 June. This drastic measure, he stated, would remain in place until a deal is secured for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
The same tariff warning was extended to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. The Prime Minister has told President Trump it is "wrong" to apply such tariffs to allies who oppose his efforts to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
UK's Firm Stance and Diplomatic Flurry
On Sunday 18 January 2026, Sir Keir held a series of urgent calls with world leaders, including President Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the PM consistently reiterated the UK's core position: the future of Greenland is solely for Denmark and Greenland to decide. He emphasised that security in the High North is a priority for all NATO allies to protect Euro-Atlantic interests.
"He also said that applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong," the spokesperson stated.
Transatlantic Unity and Potential Retaliation
The tariff threats appear linked to a Danish-led military exercise conducted with allies, including the UK, in Greenland. Mr. Trump questioned the manoeuvres, saying countries had "journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown". The UK's involvement was minimal, sending a single military officer for the planned Arctic endurance exercise.
In a joint statement, the eight affected nations warned the US threats "undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral". They pledged to stand "united and co-ordinated" in their response.
EU ambassadors held emergency talks on Sunday, with Council President Antonio Costa stating they agreed the tariffs were "incompatible" with the existing trade deal. He announced the bloc's "readiness to defend ourselves against any form of coercion" and is expected to convene a leaders' summit later this week.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy suggested the UK must engage in "adult debate" with Mr. Trump, expecting him to be open to negotiation. However, she firmly stated the UK's position on Greenland's future is "non-negotiable" and must be the starting point for any conversation.
In his upcoming speech, Sir Keir is expected to detail the UK's approach to working with international partners, asserting that the country will be "led by our values". He will also speak on his determination to protect British security, living standards, and future prosperity through both domestic and foreign policy.
