Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to address the nation in an emergency press conference following a stark tariff threat from former US President Donald Trump targeting the United Kingdom.
Imminent Tariffs and the Greenland Dispute
The crisis was triggered last week when Trump announced his intention to impose 10% tariffs on the UK, with a planned increase to 25% from June 1. He stated these punitive trade measures would remain until a deal is reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
Sir Keir called the last-minute press conference for 9.15am today in Downing Street. This follows a critical phone conversation with Trump on Sunday, during which the Prime Minister firmly reiterated the UK's position. Downing Street confirmed that Sir Keir told the former president that Greenland’s future is solely for Denmark and Greenland to decide.
The UK is not alone in facing this threat. Trump declared the same tariff policy would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Diplomatic Flurry and NATO's Firm Stance
In response to the escalating situation, Sir Keir held urgent calls on Sunday with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The eight affected NATO countries issued a powerful joint statement pushing back against Trump's actions. They warned that such tariff threats "undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral." The alliance expressed "full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland."
The statement also directly countered Trump's claim that a small, pre-coordinated allied exercise in Greenland named "Arctic Endurance" meant NATO was "playing a very dangerous game." It clarified the exercise was for strengthening shared Arctic security and "poses no threat to anyone."
Greenland's Defiance and the Stakes for NATO
On the ground in Greenland, public opposition is clear. Thousands of Greenlanders held a mass protest in the capital Nuuk on Saturday, waving flags and holding signs declaring their homeland "not for sale."
Trump has long expressed a desire to acquire the mineral-rich, self-governing Danish territory, citing US national security interests. He escalated his rhetoric on Saturday via his Truth Social platform, writing, "it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!"
European leaders have been unanimous in rejecting the premise. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has gone further, warning that any military attack on Greenland—which Trump has refused to rule out—could spell the end of the NATO alliance itself.
As Sir Keir Starmer steps up to the podium, the Prime Minister faces a defining moment in transatlantic diplomacy, balancing the defence of sovereign principles with the preservation of a critical international security partnership.
