UK PM says calm talks can avert trade war on Greenland
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a calm discussion to avoid a possible trade war with the US over Greenland and called on President Donald Trump to respect alliances such as NATO rather than undermine them.
Starmer sought to tone down the war of words by all but ruling out retaliatory tariffs against the US if Trump follows through on his threat to impose tariffs on imports from Britain and seven other countries unless the US is allowed to buy Greenland.
He explained the values that underpin his approach towards Trump, who has been criticized by opposition politicians as too weak, at a press conference in the early hours of the morning, saying “pragmatic does not mean being passive”.
After telling Trump on Sunday that “the tariffs he is threatening are wrong”, Starmer said he would use the “full power of the government” to stop the US decision, which would only harm already struggling households.
“Tariffs should not be used against allies in this way,” Starmer said, adding that he did not intend to escalate a tariff war at this point.
“A tariff war is in no one’s interest, and we’re not there yet. So my focus is to make sure we don’t get to that stage.”
Trump last week threatened tariffs on imports from eight countries that send small numbers of military personnel to Greenland, after repeatedly saying he wanted to seize Denmark’s vast Arctic island to ensure U.S. security.
Starmer said he told Trump on Sunday that those forces were “clearly there to assess and work on risks from the Russians.” He said he hoped there would now be “real clarity” on the issue.
The British prime minister signaled his approach would differ from that of the European Union, which is discussing response options including a package of tariffs on 93 billion euros ($A162 billion) of US imports.
Instead, he said the UK should work to nurture a relationship with the US that is vital to Britain’s security, intelligence and defence, while also working diplomatically to counter and prevent the threat of tariffs.
Starmer said the threats risked causing a “downward spiral” for the UK in terms of weakening trade and alliances.
“I don’t want that to happen,” he said, but added: “This doesn’t mean we’re putting our principles and values aside. On the contrary, we’re very clear about what they are.”
Starmer has built a solid relationship with Trump and became the first leader to sign a deal to cut some tariffs in May 2025.
Asked if Trump was actually considering military action, Starmer said: “Actually, I’m not. I think it can be resolved and should be resolved through calm discussion.”
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