Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a firm warning to former US President Donald Trump, stating the United Kingdom stands firmly with Denmark over fears of a potential American annexation of Greenland.
A Stark Warning from Downing Street
Speaking to reporters on the morning of Monday, 5 January 2026, the Prime Minister directly addressed escalating tensions surrounding the future of the vast Arctic island. His comments came in response to alarming rhetoric from Trump, who has repeatedly claimed the territory is vital for US national security.
Starmer unequivocally backed Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who has refused any US claim to the autonomous Danish territory. "Well, I stand with her, and she's right about the future of Greenland," Starmer stated.
He emphasised the principle of self-determination, declaring: "Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark are to decide the future of Greenland, and only Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark." The PM highlighted Denmark's status as a close European ally and fellow NATO member, underscoring the importance of respecting its sovereignty.
Trump's Provocative Claims and Danish Defiance
The crisis was ignited by comments from Donald Trump on Sunday, where he framed Greenland as a strategic necessity. "It's so strategic right now," Trump said. "Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it."
When questioned about whether US actions in Venezuela could set a precedent for Greenland, Trump offered a non-committal response, stating: "They are going to have to view it themselves. I really don't know."
In a robust statement, Prime Minister Frederiksen fired back, asserting Trump has "no right to annex" the territory. She pointed out that Denmark already provides the United States broad access to Greenland through existing NATO security agreements.
"I would therefore strongly urge the U.S. to stop threatening a historically close ally and another country and people who have made it very clear that they are not for sale," Frederiksen declared.
UK Government Reaction and Internal Criticism
The UK government's position appeared less unified initially. Earlier on Monday, Home Office minister Mike Tapp faced intense scrutiny during an interview on Sky News. He repeatedly refused to explicitly call for Trump not to invade Greenland, focusing instead on NATO dialogue.
"When it comes to Greenland, Denmark and the United States, these are both NATO members, and I'm really proud that NATO has used discussion over division... I can't see this being any different," Tapp said.
Pressed by host Sophy Ridge, who found his evasion "extraordinary," Tapp continued to avoid a direct condemnation, calling the situation a "hypothetical" and stressing the importance of international law.
This perceived weakness prompted a swift rebuke from former Conservative Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace. Taking to social media platform X, Wallace stated: "We must make it very clear to the Trump administration that threats to them is unacceptable. No more weak Government Ministers saying nothing on media rounds."
The row places the UK in a delicate diplomatic position, balancing its 'special relationship' with the United States against its obligations to a key European and NATO ally. Starmer's direct intervention has now drawn a clear line, aligning Britain firmly with Copenhagen in this unfolding Arctic standoff.
