Prime Minister Keir Starmer took a firm stance against Donald Trump’s unconventional diplomacy, declaring that tariffs targeting NATO partners over Greenland represent inappropriate policy. His weekend intervention came amid intensive European consultations aimed at presenting unified opposition to American economic coercion.
The diplomatic crisis centers on Trump’s announcement of potential sanctions against eight European nations that sent military personnel to Greenland following US territorial pressure. Starmer’s Sunday diplomatic efforts included conversations with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, whose country maintains sovereignty over Greenland, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Throughout his consultations, the British Prime Minister emphasized that high north security cooperation benefits all NATO allies working to protect Euro-Atlantic interests. His position that punishing military partners economically for pursuing collective security goals violates fundamental alliance principles directly challenges Trump’s approach to international relations.
The eight affected European countries issued a joint statement warning that Trump’s threats damage transatlantic relationships and create risks of dangerous escalation. Under the proposed schedule, 10% tariffs would commence February 1st, potentially increasing to 25% by early summer if Greenland negotiations don’t produce outcomes satisfactory to Washington.
Rather than announcing retaliatory measures, Starmer plans to use Monday’s emergency statement to express clear British opposition while maintaining diplomatic channels. Government strategists believe the Prime Minister’s unexpectedly positive personal relationship with Trump might enable behind-the-scenes negotiations to defuse the crisis and avoid economic warfare between allies.