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.
Sir Keir Starmer branded the move by the US ‘completely wrong’ | PA
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.”Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called on the Prime Minister to “stand firm against the bully in the White House”.”Starmer’s US policy lies in tatters. Trump is now punishing the UK and Nato allies just for doing the right thing,” he said.”Time for the PM to stand firm against the bully in the White House, and work with European and Commonwealth allies to make him back down from this reckless plan.”President Trump has repeatedly said Greenland is vital to US security due to its strategic location and large mineral deposits and has not ruled out using force to take it.Greenland and Denmark have said the island is not for sale.MORE TO FOLLOW…