Sir Keir Starmer has labelled Donald Trump’s plan to apply tariffs to the UK until a deal is reached to purchase Greenland “completely wrong”.
The Prime Minister said he would be pursuing the matter “directly with the US administration” after the US President revealed Britain will be charged a 10 per cent tariff “on any and all goods” sent to the US from February 1, increased to 25 per cent from June 1.
Sir Keir said: “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.
“We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of Nato and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic.
“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is completely wrong.
“We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
The move has prompted criticism across the board from politicians in the UK.
Reform leader Nigel Farage said the tariffs would “hurt” the country.
The Clacton MP said: “We don’t always agree with the US government and in this case we certainly don’t.
“These tariffs will hurt us. If Greenland is vulnerable to malign influences, then have another look at Diego Garcia.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branded it a “terrible idea”.
“President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland,” she wrote to X.
“People in both UK and US will face higher costs. These tariffs will be yet another burden for businesses across our country.
“The sovereignty of Greenland should only be decided by the people of Greenland. On this, I agree with Keir Starmer.”
MORE TO FOLLOW…
