Keir Starmer has criticised Donald Trump’s latest tariff announcement, describing the US president’s decision to target Britain and several European nations as “completely wrong”.
The surprise move, revealed on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Saturday, has sparked concern in Westminster and across Europe. It comes amid growing tensions over the future of Greenland and its strategic importance in the Arctic.
Under the new policy, a 10% tariff will be placed on imports from the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland starting February 1.
Trump added that the levy will increase to 35% on June 1 and stay in effect “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” by the United States.
Trump defended the decision by claiming global stability was under threat. He said: “World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it. They currently have two dogsleds as protection, one added recently.
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“Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that! Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States and the World at large is at stake.”
Greenland has remained part of the Kingdom of Denmark for over three centuries, and Britain, alongside its European partners, has repeatedly stated that decisions about the territory’s future must rest with its residents and Denmark.
Starmer reiterated that stance in his response. He said: “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.
“We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of Nato and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic.
“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
UK Political Reaction to Trump’s Greenland Tariffs
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also rejected Trump’s plan, calling it “a terrible idea”. In a post on X, she wrote: “President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland.
“People in both UK and US will face higher costs. These tariffs will be yet another burden for businesses across our country.
“The sovereignty of Greenland should only be decided by the people of Greenland. On this, I agree with Keir Starmer.”
Greenland’s Minister for Business and Trade, Naaja Nathanielsen, said during a visit to Westminster last week that the territory “felt betrayed” by Trump’s threats to claim the island.
Greenland Dispute Raises Questions for NATO and Europe
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey went further, labelling Trump a “bully” and arguing that the Prime Minister’s approach to the United States “lies in tatters”.
The escalating dispute has renewed debate over Arctic security and NATO unity, with leaders warning that trade measures against allies could strain both economic ties and diplomatic relations.
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