Keir Starmer brands Donald Trump 'completely wrong' to

Sir Keir Starmer condemned Donald Trump tonight after the US President vowed to implement increasing tariffs on the UK and other European allies until the US is allowed to purchase Greenland from Denmark.

In a rare public rebuke of the President by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir said the UK Government would be ‘pursuing’ America over the threat of tariffs and called Mr Trump’s plan ‘completely wrong’.

‘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,’ Sir Keir said.

‘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.’

The tariff will start at 10 per cent and come into effect on February 1, rising to 25 per cent on June 1.

The rates will apply to the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, Mr Trump announced in a post on Truth Social.

The move was also condemned by several European leaders, including France’s President Emmanuel Macron, who called Mr Trump’s tariff threats ‘unacceptable’.

The UK already pays a 10 per cent tariff on some goods imported by the US, after the President introduced a wave of taxes on countries around the world on his so-called Liberation Day on April 2, 2025.

Sir Keir Starmercondemned Donald Trumptonight after the US President vowed to implement increasing tariffson the UK and other European. Pictured: Trump and Starmer during a world leaders’ summit on ending the Gaza war on October 13, 2025 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Protesters in Nuuk, Greenland, wave flags and hold placards on Saturday following Donald Trump’s insistence that the US should own the territory

Sir Keir said the UK Governmentwould be ‘pursuing’ America over the threat of tariffs and called Mr Trump’s plan ‘completely wrong’

In a lengthy post to Truth Social today, President Trump said: ‘We have subsidised Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — 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.

‘On top of everything else, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown.

‘This is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet. These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.

‘Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.’

Trump’s announcement comes amid his latest threats to annexe Greenland.

Today, hundreds of people in Greenland’s capital braved near-freezing temperatures to march in a rally in support of their own self-governance

The tariff will start at ten per cent and come into effect on February 1, rising to 25 per cent on June 1, Trump said

The Greenlandic flag flies over houses on January 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Trump was ‘completely wrong’ to impose tariffs on Greenland

Most UK goods are already subject to a ten per cent baseline tariff, while some goods have a higher rate – British steel, aluminium and passenger vehicles are currently subject to a 25 per cent tariff.

The announcement marks a new blow for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who, along with European allies, has this week sought to reassure Greenlanders amid Trump’s insistence that the territory should belong to the US.

Chief Investment Strategist at Wealth Club, Susannah Sreeter, said the plan is a ‘migraine-inducing development for politicians who have already had to go through tortuous negotiations to reach the first tranche of tariff deals, winning exemptions for certain sectors.

‘For companies selling into the United States, and their customers, this move creates another layer of difficult decision-making. Already they’ve had to try and absorb the current tariffs, there will be little room to soak up any more, so this new tranche of duties is likely to end up being passed onto American customers.’

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Trump was ‘completely wrong’ to impose tariffs on Greenland.

She wrote on social media: ‘A terrible idea. 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.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Donald Trump was ‘punishing’ the UK.

Writing on social media, he said: ‘Starmer’s US policy lies in tatters. Trump is now punishing the UK and Nato allies just for doing the right thing.

‘Time for the PM to stand firm against the bully in the White House, and work with European and Commonwealth allies to make him back down from this reckless plan.’

Reform leader Nigel Farage said Trump’s Greenland tariffs would hurt the UK.

Writing on social media, he said: ‘We don’t always agree with the US government and in this case we certainly don’t. These tariffs will hurt us.’

Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey has said that ‘Starmer’s US policy lies in tatters’ following Trump’s plan to hit the UK with extra tariffs

Reform leader Nigel Farage said Trump’s Greenland tariffs would hurt the UK

Ellie Chowns, the leader of the Parliamentary Green Party and MP for North Herefordshire said that the UK Governent must show a genuine backbone amid Trump’s tariff threat.

Writing in a statement, she said: ‘Donald Trump treats the international stage like a schoolyard playground, attempting to bully and brute force other countries into compliance with his imperialist agenda.’

She added it is ‘a direct attack on the principle of national self-determination, treating the future of Greenland as it it were a piece of spoils to be bought and sold. The UK must not be cowed.’

Chowns also said that the UK government ‘must show genuine backbone’, adding that ‘Greenland cannot be bought – it’s time to prove that Britain can’t be either.’

Liam Byrne, Labour chair of the Commons Business and Trade Committee, said on social media: ‘This isn’t trade policy. It’s pressure politics.

‘Using tariffs to punish allies for lawful security decisions sets a dangerous precedent.

‘Britain must now stand with its allies to force a rethink – calmly, collectively – but with consequences.’

And Treasury minister Torsten Bell wrote: ‘Madness – totally wrong when all Nato allies should be focused on the Russian threat and Ukraine.’

Also reacting to news of Trump’s threat of tariffs on some European countries, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa said in a joint statement: ‘Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.

‘They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole.

‘We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including through Nato.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday also denounced Trump’s tariff threats

‘The pre-coordinated Danish exercise, conducted with allies, responds to the need to strengthen Arctic security and poses no threat to anyone.

‘The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.

‘Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.’

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday also denounced Trump’s tariff threats, writing on social media: ‘France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of Nations, in Europe and elsewhere. This guides our choices. It underpins our attachment to the United Nations and our charter.

‘It is on this basis that we support and will continue to support Ukraine, and that we have built a coalition of the willing for a robust and lasting peace, to defend these principles and our security.

‘It is also on this basis that we have decided to join the exercise decided by Denmark in Greenland. We stand by this decision, and also because it concerns security in the Arctic and at the frontiers of our Europe.

‘No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations.

‘Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond to them in a united and co-ordinated manner if they were to be confirmed. We will know how to uphold European sovereignty.

‘It is in this spirit that I will hold talks with our European partners.’

Danish politicians have also reacted to Trump’s latest tariffs, amid his threats over Greenland.

Danish F-35 fighter jets and a French MRTT tanker conducted air-to-air refuelling training over southeast Greenland, video from Danish Defence showed on Friday

Pictured: Danish F-35 jets train alongside French fuelling plane in Greenland skies

The mission, part of stepped-up Arctic operations with European allies, focused on long-distance flying and operating safely in harsh polar conditions, according to the Danish Armed Force

Danes launch jets over Greenland after Trump hinted US may pull out of Nato if they can’t acquire it

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark with self-government and its own parliament. It governs its own domestic affairs, but not its defence policy.

Sweden’s Prime Minister has said that it is in talks with the UK and other European countries about Trump’s proposed tariffs.

Writing on social media, Ulf Kristersson said: ‘We will not let ourselves be blackmailed.

‘Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland.

‘I will always stand up for my country, and for our allied neighbours. This is an EU issue that affects many more countries than those now being singled out.

‘Sweden is now having intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway, and the United Kingdom for a co-ordinated response.’

Leader of the Danish Democrats, Inger Stoejberg, told national Danish broadcaster DR that Denmark must not bow to ‘Trump’s bully methods’.

Writing on X, Danish MP Pelle Dragsted said that the tariff threats ‘must be met with European solidarity and resistance’, adding: ‘Enough is enough.’

Saturday’s threat could derail tentative deals Trump struck last year with the European Union and Britain.

Tariffs have become the US president’s weapon of choice in seeking to compel American adversaries and allies alike to meet his strategic and economic demands.

Trump said this week he would put 25 per cent tariffs on any country trading with Iran as that country suppressed anti-government protests, though there has been no official ⁠documentation from the White House of the policy on its website, nor information about the legal authority Trump would use.

The US Supreme Court has heard arguments on the legality of Trump’s sweeping tariffs, and any decision by the top US judicial body would have major implications on the global economy and US presidential powers.

Greenland’s Head of Government (Naalakkersuisut) Jens-Frederik Nielsen, holds a Greenlandic flag as he attends a demonstration to the US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland on January 17, 2026

People take part in the ‘Hands Off Greenland’ protest outside the US embassyin Copenhagen, Denmark, on Januay 17

A woman pulls her children on a sled during a protest against Trump’s policy towards Greenland in front of the US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026

Citing threats from Russia and China, Trump has repeatedly insisted he will settle for nothing less than ownership of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

On Thursday, Downing Street confirmed one UK military officer had been sent at Denmark’s request to join a reconnaissance group ahead of a planned Arctic Endurance exercise, but denied it amounted to a ‘deployment’.

The president has repeatedly said Greenland is vital to US security because of its strategic location and large mineral deposits, and has not ruled out using force to take it.

‘These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,’ Trump wrote.

‘The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them, including maximum protection, over so many decades,’ he said.

Trump has insisted for months that the US should control the semiautonomous territory of Denmark, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in US hands would be ‘unacceptable’.

But Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in recent days that a US acquisition of Greenland was ‘out of the question’.

Since the US began openly discussing the annexation of Greenland at the start of 2026, the UK has stepped up discussions on Arctic security, with Sir Keir raising the issue in calls with Trump, the Danish prime minister and the Nato secretary-general.

A bipartisan congressional delegation arrived for talks in Copenhagen on Friday, aimed at shoring up support for America’s NATO ally.

The 11 congressmen and women were to hold talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

‘We are showing bipartisan solidarity with the people of this country and with Greenland. They’ve been our friends and allies for decades,’ Democratic Senator Dick Durbin told reporters.

‘We want them to know we appreciate that very much. And the statements being made by the president do not reflect what the American people feel.’

People protest against Trump’s policy towards Greenland in front of US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026

Kremlin calls Trump’s pursuit of Greenland ‘extraordinary’ and says Arctic island is Danish

The delegation’s visit follows a meeting in Washington on Wednesday at which Danish representatives said they are in ‘fundamental disagreement’ with Trump over Greenland.

Today, hundreds of people in Greenland’s capital braved near-freezing temperatures to march in a rally in support of their own self-governance in the face of threats of a US takeover.

The Greenlanders waved their red-and-white national flags and listened to traditional songs as they walked through Nuuk’s small city centre on Saturday.

Some carried signs with messages like ‘We shape our future’, ‘Greenland is not for sale’ and ‘Greenland is already GREAT’.

They were joined by thousands of others in rallies across the territory.

Major General Søren Andersen, leader of the Joint Arctic Command, told The Associated Press that Denmark doesn’t expect the U.S. military to attack Greenland, or any other NATO ally, and that European troops were recently deployed to Nuuk for Arctic defence training.

He said that the goal isn’t to send a message to the Trump administration, even though the White House hasn’t ruled out taking the territory by force.

‘I will not go into the political part, but I will say that I would never expect a NATO country to attack another NATO country,’ he said Saturday aboard a Danish military vessel docked in Nuuk.

‘For us, for me, it’s not about signalling. It is actually about training military units, working together with allies.’

Trump has long said he thinks the US should own the strategically located and mineral-rich island, which is a self-governing territory of Greenland.

Trump intensified his calls a day after the military operation to oust Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.

Dollerup-Scheibel, a 21-year-old Greenlander, and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen were among what was described as the island’s biggest protest, drawing nearly a quarter of Nuuk’s population.

Others held rallies and solidarity marches across the Danish realm, including in Copenhagen, as well as in the capital of the Inuit-governed territory of Nunavut in Canada’s far north.

‘This is important for the whole world,’ Danish protester Elise Riechie said as she held Danish and Greenlandic flags in Copenhagen. ‘There are many small countries. None of them are for sale.’

People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against the US President’s plans to take Greenland, on January 17, 2026

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In Nuuk, Greenlanders of all ages listened to traditional songs as they walked to the consulate. Marie Pedersen, a 47-year-old Greenlander, said it was important to bring her children to the rally ‘to show them that they’re allowed to speak up.’

‘We want to keep our own country and our own culture, and our family safe,’ she said.

Her nine-year-old daughter, Alaska, crafted her own ‘Greenland is not for sale’ sign. The girl said her teachers have addressed the controversy and taught them about NATO at school.

‘They tell us how to stand up if you’re being bullied by another country or something,’ she said.

Prominent European Union countries have backed Denmark, warning that the US military seizure of a territory in NATO could collapse the military alliance that Washington leads.

Britain has also given its support.

It also comes as Danish F-35 fighter jets and a French MRTT tanker conducted air-to-air refuelling training over southeast Greenland, video from Danish Defence showed on Friday.

The mission, part of stepped-up Arctic operations with European allies, focused on long-distance flying and operating safely in harsh polar conditions, according to the Danish Armed Force.

The French tanker aircraft departed from its base in southern France, to which it returned after completing the training in Greenland.