Prime Minister Keir Starmer took a strong stance against Donald Trump’s unconventional diplomacy, declaring that tariffs targeting NATO partners over Greenland are wrong. His weekend intervention came during intensive European consultations aimed at presenting unified resistance to American economic and territorial pressure.
Trump’s controversial plan targets eight European nations, including Britain, with sanctions related to their military deployment to Greenland amid US territorial interests. Starmer engaged in extensive Sunday consultations with Danish leadership, EU officials, and NATO command to ensure coordinated European opposition to Washington’s aggressive posture.
The British Prime Minister’s consistent message across all conversations emphasized that northern security cooperation serves shared NATO interests in protecting Euro-Atlantic stability. His position that using tariffs against allies pursuing collective defense constitutes inappropriate policy represents a direct defense of European sovereignty and alliance principles.
European countries facing tariff threats issued a joint declaration warning that Trump’s actions undermine transatlantic partnership foundations and risk triggering deteriorating relations. The proposed schedule envisions 10% tariffs beginning February 1st, escalating to 25% by June 1st unless an agreement on Greenland emerges that satisfies American demands.
Starmer’s Monday press conference will emphasize British concerns while avoiding announcements of reciprocal economic measures. Officials hope the Prime Minister’s surprisingly warm personal relationship with Trump, which has previously yielded trade benefits, might provide diplomatic space for resolving the crisis through quiet negotiations.