Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has held a second call in two days with US President Donald Trump, with discussions centred on the escalating need to counter Russian aggression in the strategically vital Arctic region.
High North Tensions and Diplomatic Flurry
The conversation on Thursday 8 January 2026 followed an initial "positive and friendly" call the previous day. According to a Downing Street statement, the two leaders concurred on the "need to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia in the High North". Sir Keir stated that while European allies had bolstered their efforts, "more could be done to protect" the Arctic area.
This flurry of diplomatic activity occurs against a backdrop of heightened anxiety over President Trump's declared interest in Greenland. The US leader has repeatedly asserted that the semi-autonomous Danish territory is "very important for the national security of the United States, Europe, and other parts of the free world". US officials have not ruled out using "military means" to acquire the island, a move that has sparked international concern.
UK Stance on Greenland and Allied Coordination
Sir Keir has consistently maintained that decisions regarding Greenland's future must rest solely with its people and Denmark. He reiterated this position to President Trump and in a separate conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, assuring her that Britain "stood" with Denmark.
The Prime Minister also spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with both agreeing that more action was required to deter Moscow in the High North. This coordinated outreach follows criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who had accused Sir Keir of failing to engage sufficiently with the US President after recent controversial American military actions.
Earlier in the week, the UK and European allies issued a joint statement vowing to "not stop defending" Greenland's territorial integrity, widely interpreted as a message to Washington.
Ongoing Diplomatic Maneuvers
The situation remains fluid. US Vice President JD Vance, following a meeting with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy in Washington, stated that President Trump's words on Greenland "should be taken seriously". He argued the island was critical for global missile defence and warned that if allies did not take its security seriously, "the United States is going to have to do something about it".
Meanwhile, Danish and Greenlandic diplomats have been engaged in urgent talks with White House National Security Council officials to understand US intentions. While military action is one possibility, US officials have also suggested a purchase of the territory could be pursued. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Danish officials in Washington next week.
As diplomatic channels remain open, the UK government faces domestic pressure to rule out any potential use of British military bases to support US action against Greenland, while navigating the complexities of the "special relationship" during a period of unprecedented geopolitical tension in the Arctic.
