Starmer Warns Trump: UK Stance on Greenland ‘Unwavering’

Starmer Defies Trump Over Greenland, Accuses Him of Trade Pressure Tactics

A growing rift between the UK and the US deepened this week as Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly rebuked Donald trump, accusing him of attempting to coerce Britain and other European nations over the future of Greenland and a controversial deal concerning the Chagos Islands. The escalating tensions highlight a fragile alliance as both nations navigate complex geopolitical and economic challenges.

Starmer delivered his most forceful criticism of the US president during a session in the House of Commons on Wednesday, asserting that the future of Greenland is a matter for the people of Greenland and Denmark to decide. He vowed to resist what he characterized as attempts by trump to exert undue influence through economic threats.

“Threats of tariffs to pressurise allies are entirely wrong,†Starmer declared to supportive Labor MPs, adding, “I will not yield, Britain will not yield, on our principles and values about the future of Greenland under threats of tariffs.†The prime minister alleges Trump threatened a 10% tariff on goods from Britain and seven other European countries unless they acquiesced to a US takeover of the Danish territory.

Did you know? — Greenland is the world’s largest island, but approximately 80% of its surface is covered by ice. Its population is roughly 56,000 people.

The dispute extends beyond Greenland, with Trump also targeting the UK’s agreement with Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands.According to Starmer, Trump’s public attacks on the deal were “made with the express purpose of putting pressure on me and Britain†regarding the Greenland issue. The Chagos Islands, home to a vital US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, are at the center of a long-running sovereignty dispute.

While Trump is scheduled to address the World Economic Forum in Davos, Starmer opted to meet with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Downing Street on Thursday, signaling a united front against perceived US pressure.Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch echoed Starmer’s sentiment on Greenland, stating that she and the prime minister agreed that “the future of Greenland should only be decided by the people of Greenland.â€

Reader question — What is the importance of the Chagos Islands? — The islands host the Diego garcia military base, strategically crucial for both the US and UK, leading to a decades-long dispute over sovereignty with Mauritius.

However, Badenoch diverged from Starmer by reaffirming her support for Trump’s criticism of the Chagos Islands deal, arguing that the billions of pounds allocated to lease back the islands should instead be invested in Britain’s armed forces. Trump himself labeled the 2025 agreement a demonstration of “total weakness†and an “act of stupidity,†citing it as justification for a potential US acquisition of Greenland. Notably, last year, then-Secretary of State Marco rubio indicated the US “welcomed†the accord.

Starmer accused Badenoch of “jumping on the bandwagon†by aligning with Trump’s attacks. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged Starmer to adopt a more assertive stance, mirroring that of French president Emmanuel Macron, but Starmer cautioned against severing ties with the US or “abandon[ing] Ukraine.†Davey also raised concerns about delays in the government’s defense investment plan, warning that it could jeopardize critical industries like helicopter manufacturing in Yeovil.

Adding to the complexity,US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged “glitches†in the UK-US trade deal during discussions at Davos,as tensions between the traditional allies continue to rise. While a trade agreement signed last year included tariff reductions on car and steel exports, Washington has paused the implementation of a technology deal initially struck during Trump’s state visit to Britain, reportedly due to disagreements over US efforts to increase agricultural exports to the UK.

Despite thes challenges, Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized ongoing dialog with US counterparts, stating there was “no shortage of dialogue†and that she maintained regular contact with Bessent. British officials involved in discussions with US officials in Davos,including Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Number 10 business envoy Varun Chandra,reported positive progress. “We did hit some tricky bits but we are well back on track,†one UK official stated.

Did you know? — The UK and US have a “special relationship” rooted in shared history, language, and security interests, but this alliance has faced strains under various administrations.