Asked how the U.K. should respond to Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on countries defending Greenland, Starmer argued for restraint and dialogue, endorsing “calm discussion between allies” rather than retaliatory trade action. He also said King Charles’s planned visit to the United States in April should proceed, adding that cooperation on security and defence “requires us to have a good relationship with the United States.”
Trump has recently escalated threats to take the semi-sovereign Danish territory by force, claiming Greenland is vital to U.S. national security, with the United States operating the Pituffik Space Base on the island. On Saturday, he warned of 10 per cent tariffs on imports from several European countries, including the U.K., rising to 25 per cent from June 1, until an agreement is reached for the U.S. to take control of Greenland.
Responding to the proposed tariffs, Starmer said, “Alliances endure because they’re built on respect and partnership, not pressure,” adding, “That is why I said the use of tariffs against allies is completely wrong.” He said he had spoken with Trump and European leaders on Sunday to “find a solution rooted in partnership, facts and mutual respect,” noting that “that is how strong alliances protect shared interest.”
Starmer’s stance drew mixed reactions at home, with Ed Davey accusing the prime minister of weakness. “Weak, weak, weak. This appeasement must end,” Davey wrote, adding that “Starmer should be uniting with our allies against Trump’s threats, not splitting off to suck up to him.”
By contrast, Nigel Farage, a Trump ally, said he planned to raise the tariff issue with U.S. officials while attending meetings in Davos, Switzerland. His comments followed Trump’s statement on Truth Social that “World Peace is at stake” and that it was “time for Denmark to give back.”
Source: The Hill.
