Prime Minister Keir Starmer aligned Britain with European opposition to American economic threats, telling Donald Trump that tariffs targeting NATO allies over Greenland are wrong. His weekend diplomatic efforts reflected growing European alarm at Washington’s willingness to weaponize trade relationships against military partners.
The diplomatic firestorm emerged after Trump announced potential sanctions against eight European countries that sent troops to Greenland following US pressure on the Danish territory. Starmer’s Sunday consultations included conversations with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as leaders sought to coordinate their response.
The British Prime Minister maintained across all conversations that high north security cooperation benefits all NATO members working to protect Euro-Atlantic interests. His assertion that using tariffs against allies pursuing collective security goals constitutes inappropriate policy signals Britain’s firm stance alongside European partners.
A collective declaration from the affected European nations characterized Trump’s threats as undermining transatlantic relations and creating risks of dangerous deterioration. Under the proposed schedule, 10% tariffs would commence February 1st, potentially escalating to 25% by early summer if Greenland negotiations don’t satisfy American demands.
While planning to express clear opposition in Monday’s emergency statement, Starmer won’t propose retaliatory tariffs. Government strategists believe the Prime Minister’s unexpectedly warm rapport with Trump might enable private discussions to defuse the crisis, avoiding economic warfare between allies.