Greenland belongs to its people, Denmark: UK PM

 

 

AMID US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats to impose tariffs on European countries, including the United Kingdom, over the sale of Greenland, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday stated that the use of tariffs against allies is “completely wrong”, noting that the Arctic island belongs to its people and Denmark, describing the right as “fundamental”. Addressing a press conference on Greenland, Starmer emphasised the importance of maintaining strong alliances amid global turbulence created by Trump’s tariff threats, while underscoring the UK’s commitment to its partnership with Washington. Started stated that matters of such seriousness must be handled through calm dialogue among allies, emphasising that Greenland’s security is important and will become even more significant as climate change reshapes the Arctic, opening new sea routes and intensifying strategic competition in the region.

 

“The security of Greenland matters, and it will matter more as climate change reshapes the Arctic. As sea routes open and strategic competition intensifies, the High North will require greater attention, greater investment, and stronger collective defence.TheUnitedStateswill becentral to that effort, and the UK stands ready to contribute fully alongside our allies through NATO. But there is a principle here that cannot be set aside because it goes to the heart of how stable and trusted international cooperation works,”Starmersaid.“Anydecision about the future status of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone.

 

Thatrightis fundamental, and we will support it,” the UK PM added. He reaffirmed the UK’s support for Denmark, calling it a close ally and a committed NATO member that has made significantsacrifices alongside its partners. Starmer further underlined that alliances are built on respect andpartnershiprather thanpressure,arguing that tariffs against allies are not an appropriate way toresolve differences within an alliance. “Denmark is a close ally of theUnitedKingdom and of the United States - a proud NATO member that has stood shoulder toshoulderwithus,includingatrealhumancost,inrecent decades. Alliances endure because they are built on respect and partnership, not pressure. That is why I say the use of tariffs against allies is completely wrong. It is not the right way to resolve differences within an alliance,” Starmer said. 

 

 

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Monday escalated pressure on Denmark over Greenland, accusing Copenhagen of failing to counter what he described as a long-standing Russian threat to the strategically located island and signalling renewed determination to act. Posting onTruth Social,Trump wrote,“NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.’ Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!” The post has emerged as the central focus of a growing diplomatic standoff betweenWashington and several European capitals, following Trump’s recent announcement of punitive tariffs linked to Greenland. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly voiced his intention to “obtain” Greenland, citing security concerns and geopolitical competition in the Arctic. Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, though Copenhagen retains control over defence and foreign policy. Greenland belongs to its people, Denmark: UK PM