UK’s Starmer Urges Calm Talks to Avert Trade War with US Over Greenland

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday urged calm discussion with the United States to prevent a trade war triggered by President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs over Greenland, stressing that disputes between allies must be resolved through diplomacy, not coercion.

Starmer Seeks De-escalation with Washington

Speaking at an early morning press conference in London, Starmer appealed directly to Trump to respect alliances such as NATO rather than undermine them. While condemning the threatened tariffs, the British leader sought to cool tensions and avoid an escalating trade confrontation.

“A tariff war is in nobody’s interests,” Starmer said. “My focus is making sure we don’t get to that stage.”

Starmer all but ruled out retaliatory levies, saying Britain was not currently considering countermeasures despite Trump’s warning that imports from Britain and seven other European countries could face new duties.

‘Calm Discussion, Not Coercion’

Asked whether he believed President Donald Trump was genuinely considering military action to take control of Greenland, Starmer dismissed the idea.

“I don’t,” he said. “I think this can be resolved through calm discussion.”

Pressed on how the United States could remain Britain’s closest ally while threatening tariffs, Starmer acknowledged tensions but stressed the depth of the bilateral relationship.

“The US remains a close ally on many topics. We work very closely with them,” he said. “But we must stand up for our values. I will speak to President Trump again. We must find a pragmatic solution to this.”

Starmer reiterated that the use of tariffs against allies was “completely wrong” and said disputes between partners should be addressed through dialogue rather than pressure.

“The right way to approach this issue is through calm discussion between allies,” he said.

Britain’s Position Differs from EU Approach

Starmer signaled that Britain’s response would differ from that of the European Union, which has discussed retaliatory options including tariffs on €93 billion worth of US goods.

Instead, he said the UK should prioritize nurturing its relationship with Washington, which he described as vital for British security, intelligence and defense, even while firmly opposing the tariff threat.

Six of the eight countries targeted by Trump are members of the EU, which operates as a single trade bloc. European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU was ready to defend itself against “any form of coercion” and is expected to convene an emergency summit later this week.

Support for Greenland’s Right to Decide

Starmer said Britain supports the “fundamental right” of Greenland and Denmark to determine the future of the Arctic territory, rejecting any notion of coercion or unilateral action.

Denmark’s defense minister and Greenland’s foreign minister are scheduled to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels, a meeting planned before the latest escalation. Danish officials said they are receiving broad NATO support for increased Arctic security cooperation.

Tariff Threats Tied to Greenland Dispute

Trump announced on Saturday that the US would impose a 10% tariff starting in February on goods from eight European nations — including the UK — with the rate rising to 25% by June unless a deal is reached allowing the United States to buy Greenland.

The threat followed the deployment of small numbers of military personnel by the countries to Greenland last week. Trump has repeatedly argued that the Arctic island is essential to US security, citing concerns over Russia and China and linking it to his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system.

Starmer said he told Trump on Sunday that the forces were “clearly there to assess and work on risk from the Russians,” adding that he hoped there was now “real clarity” on the matter.