Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has robustly defended Prime Minister Keir Starmer's restrained diplomatic approach towards Donald Trump's controversial threats to annex Greenland and impose tariffs on dissenting European nations. Speaking ahead of the US president's arrival at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Miliband emphasised that Britain's position would be "much worse" if Starmer had engaged in a tit-for-tat social media confrontation with the former American leader.
Calm Leadership in a Diplomatic Storm
Miliband, who previously served as Labour leader, told the BBC's Today programme that Starmer was demonstrating "calm leadership" during what he described as a "really difficult international situation." The cabinet minister directly addressed critics who have called for a more forceful response from Downing Street, stating: "I know some people will want to say: 'Why hasn't the prime minister been matching Donald Trump tweet-for-tweet?' All of that. I honestly say to you, we would be in a much worse position as a country."
The Greenland Controversy Escalates
The diplomatic tension centres on Trump's renewed push to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, coupled with his threat to levy tariffs on NATO allies who oppose this territorial ambition. Last week, the former president explicitly warned he would impose trade penalties on countries refusing to "go along" with his annexation plans, placing particular pressure on European nations including the United Kingdom.
Relations appeared to deteriorate further when Trump referenced Britain's decision to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which he characterised as an act of "great stupidity," suggesting this influenced his Greenland objectives. While the UK government has maintained a cautious stance, other European leaders have adopted more confrontational positions.
European Leaders Condemn "New Colonialism"
On Tuesday, multiple European figures lined up to condemn what French President Emmanuel Macron termed "new colonialism," criticising the "useless aggressivity" of Trump's tariff threats. Macron told the Davos gathering that this was "not a time for new imperialism," as continental leaders warned Europe faced a significant crossroads regarding American relations.
Trump is scheduled to speak in Davos on Wednesday afternoon, having used a White House press conference to reiterate his belief that the United States requires Greenland for security purposes. He confirmed his Swiss travel plans, noting "we have a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland" and expressing optimism that "things are going to work out pretty well."
Domestic Pressure and Economic Concerns
Meanwhile, Starmer's government faces mounting domestic pressure to adopt a firmer stance against Trump's tariff threats, particularly following December's inflation figures showing a rise to 3.4%. Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP warned on Wednesday: "Trump's threat of new tariffs is hanging over British families and businesses like the sword of Damocles, risking yet another cost of living hit."
Cooper added: "That's one more reason why the government must stand up to Trump, force him to back down, and protect Britain from a new wave of price rises." Despite these calls, Downing Street has remained non-committal about potential discussions with the US delegation in Davos, stating only that there would be "engagement on all levels."
Strategic Diplomacy Versus Public Confrontation
Miliband's defence of Starmer's approach highlights the government's strategic calculation that quiet diplomacy rather than public confrontation better serves British interests. The energy secretary pointed to Starmer's achievement in securing "the first trade deal with the US" and obtaining "the lowest tariff" arrangements as evidence of his effective international stewardship.
As the World Economic Forum continues, all eyes remain on how European nations will navigate Trump's combative stance on Greenland and trade, with Britain's measured response positioning it differently from more vocal continental allies in this unfolding diplomatic challenge.
