Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has firmly rejected the idea of a retaliatory trade war with the United States, following tariff threats from former President Donald Trump over the future of Greenland.
Downing Street Stands Firm Against Tariff Threats
At a press conference in Downing Street on Monday 19 January 2026, Sir Keir addressed the escalating Greenland crisis. He stated that using tariffs against allies is "completely wrong" and emphasised that such measures are "not the right way to resolve differences" within an alliance.
The dispute was triggered by Donald Trump's announcement on Saturday night, which threatened the UK and several European nations with a 10% tariff on all goods from February, rising to 25% from June. This action is intended to pressure Washington's European allies into agreeing to a deal for the US to purchase the self-autonomous Danish island, which Trump covets for its strategic Arctic location and mineral wealth.
Starmer's Diplomatic Push for a 'Sensible' Path Forward
When questioned by Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby about potential UK counter-tariffs, Sir Keir avoided direct retaliation. "A tariff war isn't in anybody's interests," he asserted, warning that it would be "businesses, workers and families across the country" who would suffer the consequences.
Instead, the Prime Minister outlined a strategy of engagement. He pledged to work with European allies and directly with Mr Trump to find a "pragmatic, sensible, sustained way through this". Sir Keir also downplayed the US president's hints at military action, telling reporters, "I think that this can be resolved and should be resolved through calm discussion."
Alliance Tested but UK Insists on Principles
Despite the sharp disagreement, Sir Keir was careful to reaffirm the foundational importance of the transatlantic relationship. "The US remains a close ally on defence, on security and on intelligence," he said, highlighting cooperation on nuclear capability.
However, he made it clear that the UK's stance on Greenland's sovereignty is non-negotiable, echoing the wider European position. The UK government insists that the future of Greenland is solely "a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes," a point Sir Keir reiterated in a phone call with Donald Trump on Sunday and in a post on social media platform X.
The Prime Minister concluded that while the national interest in the alliance must be protected, the UK must also "stand up for our values" and the principles at stake in the dispute.
