UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a firm rebuke of former US President Donald Trump's renewed rhetoric about annexing Greenland, throwing his public support behind the Danish government.
Starmer Stands with Danish Allies
Speaking to broadcasters, Starmer explicitly backed Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen after she demanded the United States cease its threats to forcibly take over the vast Arctic island. The intervention came after the UK's Migration Minister, Mike Tapp, repeatedly avoided questions on the subject.
"Well, I stand with her, and she's right about the future of Greenland," Starmer told Sky News. When pressed by the BBC on whether he agreed with Danish calls for Trump to stop raising the idea of annexation, the Prime Minister gave a simple, definitive reply: "Yes."
He elaborated, stating a clear principle: "Greenland and the kingdom of Denmark are to decide the future of Greenland, and only Greenland and the kingdom of Denmark." Starmer emphasised Denmark's status as a close European and NATO ally, making the defence of its territorial integrity a matter of diplomatic importance.
Trump's 'National Security' Claim and Social Media Provocation
The controversy flared after a US military raid in Venezuela that resulted in the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro. In its wake, Donald Trump reiterated his longstanding desire to acquire Greenland, stating, "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it."
The situation was further inflamed by a provocative social media post from right-wing podcaster Katie Miller, who is married to Stephen Miller, a key Trump advisor. On Saturday, she posted a map of Greenland draped in the American Stars and Stripes with the caption "SOON."
Danish and Greenlandic Leaders Condemn 'Disrespectful' Rhetoric
The response from Danish and Greenlandic leadership has been swift and unequivocal. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared on Sunday, "It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the US needing to take over Greenland. The US has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish kingdom," referring to Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.
Greenland's own Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, labelled Miller's comments "disrespectful," stressing that international relations are built on mutual respect and law. In a stronger statement on Monday, he demanded an end to the pressure, writing: "Threats, pressure and talk of annexation have no place between friends... Enough is enough. No more pressure. No more innuendo. No more fantasies about annexation."
He affirmed that Greenland is "open to dialogue" but only through proper diplomatic channels and in line with international law, "not random and disrespectful posts on social media." His final message was one of resolute sovereignty: "Greenland is our home and our territory. And that is how it will remain."
A Diplomatic Line in the Sand
Starmer's clear alignment with Denmark marks a distinct shift from his minister's earlier evasion and draws a firm line against Trump's expansionist remarks. The episode underscores ongoing tensions within the NATO alliance and highlights how territorial ambitions, even when voiced informally, can trigger significant diplomatic fallout. The unified stance from Copenhagen, Nuuk, and now London presents a solid front against what they view as baseless and damaging speculation over Greenland's future.
