Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a stark warning to US President Donald Trump, declaring him "completely wrong" to threaten tariffs against the UK and European allies in a dispute over Greenland. The confrontation, which risks plunging the UK into a recession, marks Sir Keir's toughest message to the White House since his inauguration.
Economic Warnings and a Plea for Calm
Speaking at an emergency press conference on Monday 19 January 2026, Sir Keir urged for calm discussion between allies, insisting that a trade war would "benefit nobody." His plea comes amid dire economic forecasts, with experts warning that tariffs of 10 per cent or even 25 per cent could slash UK GDP by up to £22 billion.
The Prime Minister dodged calls to cancel a proposed visit by King Charles III to the US for its 250th anniversary, instead focusing on diplomatic unity. He received backing from Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch, whose support he "warmly welcomed." Sir Keir stressed that the UK would not impose retaliatory tariffs, stating it was "not the right way to resolve differences within an alliance."
EU Readies Retaliation as NATO Alliance Frays
European leaders adopted an even firmer stance. French President Emmanuel Macron urged the EU to activate its "trade bazooka" to restrict US market access, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined in warning of counter-tariffs. The crisis has sparked fears for the future of the NATO alliance, with even senior US Republicans expressing alarm.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted a lack of appetite for military options, and Senator Mitch McConnell warned that action against Greenland would be "an unprecedented act of strategic self-harm" that could incinerate NATO. Despite this, President Trump doubled down in a bizarre letter to Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre, seemingly blaming a Nobel Peace Prize snub for his aggressive posture, stating he "no longer feels an obligation to think purely of peace."
UK Reaffirms Support for Danish Sovereignty
In a show of solidarity, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper hosted Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in London. Both ministers unequivocally stated that the future of Greenland belongs solely to its people and the Kingdom of Denmark. Mr Rasmussen expressed gratitude for the UK's support, revealing the two had been in "almost daily contact" over the escalating situation.
Sir Keir downplayed the likelihood of a US military invasion of Greenland, suggesting he did not believe the threats were genuine. He reiterated the UK's position of not choosing between its US and European allies, a stance he argued had served the nation well for 80 years. The Prime Minister concluded that this was a moment for the whole country to unite in defence of fundamental principles of sovereignty and alliance.
