Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that US tariffs on UK goods would be 'in no one’s interests' and called for a 'calm discussion' to resolve the row over Greenland. His comments come after Donald Trump threatened to impose 10% levies on UK exports from 1 February, rising to 25% by June, unless a deal on Greenland is reached.
Speaking at an emergency press conference, Starmer said: 'Threatening tariffs on allies is the wrong thing to do, completely wrong … A tariff war isn’t in anybody’s interests.' He stressed that his focus was on avoiding a trade war, which would hit British businesses, workers and families.
Downing Street sources indicated that the UK has not ruled out retaliatory tariffs entirely, but Starmer said: 'We have not got to that stage.' The government is preparing a taxpayer-funded support package to shield businesses if the US follows through on its threats.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed he had spoken to Jaguar Land Rover about the tariff threats, adding: 'I am always open to conversation about how we can support them.' The Liberal Democrats and some Conservative MPs have urged a tougher response, with Ed Davey calling Trump an 'international gangster'.
A YouGov poll found two-thirds of Britons would support placing tariffs on American imports if Trump acts. However, Starmer defended his diplomatic approach, saying: 'Alliances endure because they’re built on respect and partnership, not pressure.'
