Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a direct appeal for national unity and calm diplomacy in response to what he termed "completely wrong" threats from former US President Donald Trump.
A Call for Calm Diplomacy
Speaking from Downing Street on Monday 19 January 2026, Sir Keir addressed the escalating international crisis. The Prime Minister insisted that the dispute over Greenland's future must be resolved through "calm discussion between allies", firmly rejecting the use of military action or economic pressure.
Mr Trump has reignited his longstanding ambition to acquire Greenland, citing its strategic Arctic location and mineral wealth. He has threatened to impose a 10% tariff on all UK goods entering the United States from 1 February, rising to a punitive 25% from 1 June, until a deal is struck for Washington to purchase the territory from Denmark. The US figurehead has also notably refused to rule out military action to achieve his goal.
Defending Sovereignty and Alliance Principles
In his emergency address, Sir Keir was unequivocal about where the UK stands. "Any decision about the future status of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone. That right is fundamental," he stated.
The Prime Minister signalled that Britain would not engage in a tit-for-tat trade war, stating that imposing retaliatory tariffs was "not the right way to resolve differences within an alliance". He criticised framing security concerns as a justification for economic pressure, arguing it undermined the very foundation of partnership.
A Moment for National Unity
Sir Keir framed the situation as a critical moment for domestic solidarity. "This is a moment for the whole country to pull together," he declared from the media briefing room in Number 9 Downing Street.
He pointedly welcomed the cross-party support received, specifically thanking the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, for backing the government's stance on both the Greenland issue and the proposed tariffs. "I warmly welcome the support we’ve had... I thank her for her support," he said, emphasising a rare show of political unity in the face of an external challenge.
The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming the core principles of the UK's position: standing with allies, defending sovereign rights, and resolving disputes through dialogue rather than coercion.
