Keir Starmer Hits Out At 'Completely Wrong' Donald Trump Over Greenland Tariff Threat
Keir Starmer has branded Donald Trump “completely wrong” after the US president announced he was imposing tariffs on the UK and seven other European countries over their approach to the future of Greenland.
Trump stunned Downing Street by announcing the unexpected move on his Truth Social site on Saturday.
He said a 10% import tax will be imposed on Britain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland from February 1.
That charge will rise to 35% on June 1 and remain in place until “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” by America.
Trump 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.
“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 been part of the kingdom of Denmark for more than 300 years.
“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.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Trump’s tariff plan was “a terrible idea”.
She posted on X: “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.”
Speaking on a visit to Westminster last week, Greenaldic Naaja Nathanielsen said the territory “felt betrayed” by Trump’s threats to take over the Arctic island.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey branded Trump a “bully” and said the PM’s policy towards the US “lies in tatters”.