The United Kingdom has joined forces with seven European nations to issue a stark warning that US tariff threats over the future of Greenland "undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral". The coordinated response comes after US President Donald Trump announced punitive import duties on goods from the countries involved.
A Coordinated Transatlantic Rejection
In a joint statement released on Sunday, 18 January 2026, the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland declared they would "stand united and coordinated" in their reaction. The dispute centres on President Trump's announcement on Saturday that he would impose a 10% tariff "on any and all goods" sent to the US from these nations starting 1 February, rising to 25% from 1 June.
President Trump stated the measures would remain until a deal was reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark. He accused the eight nations of having "journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown", a reference to increased allied military activity in the Arctic region.
Solidarity with Denmark and Defence of Sovereignty
The allied nations forcefully rebutted the US President's claims. "As members of Nato, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest," their statement read. They clarified that the pre-coordinated Danish exercise, Arctic Endurance, which includes allied participation, "responds to this necessity" and "poses no threat to anyone".
Emphasising their unwavering position, the group stated: "We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland." They expressed readiness for dialogue but insisted it must be based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which they stand firmly behind. The statement concluded with a firm commitment to upholding their collective sovereignty.
Political Reactions and the Path Ahead
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has labelled the plan to apply tariffs "completely wrong" and said he would be "pursuing this directly" with the US administration. One of his ministers confirmed Sir Keir would speak to President Trump at the "earliest opportunity", though it was unclear if this would occur at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, suggested the President often encouraged dialogue after expressing strong views. However, she was unequivocal on the UK's stance: "The one thing that we won't do is compromise on our position, which is that the future of Greenland is a matter for the people of Greenland and the people of the Kingdom of Denmark. That is non-negotiable."
The Liberal Democrats called for a stronger response, urging the Prime Minister to cancel the King's planned state visit to the US in April in retaliation. Party leader Sir Ed Davey said the UK "must not be a doormat for an extortionist".
The situation escalated earlier in the week when the UK confirmed it had sent a military officer to Greenland at Denmark's request, as part of reconnaissance ahead of the Arctic Endurance exercise. Downing Street denied this constituted a formal "deployment". President Trump responded by warning the involved countries were playing a "very dangerous game".
