The UK’s position on Greenland is “non-negotiable,” the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, said, as European countries rejected President Donald Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs linked to a proposed US purchase of the territory.
Nandy stated in an interview with Sky News that the United States purchasing Greenland would never be acceptable to the United Kingdom. She stated that only the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark should decide the territory's future.
Her remarks came after Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Trump for announcing 10% tariffs on the UK and seven other European countries. According to Trump, if European nations don't accept the US plan to purchase Greenland, the tariffs would increase to 25% by June 1.
Trump stated in a post on Truth Social that the tariffs would apply to NATO allies, such as the UK, France, and Germany, which have sent soldiers to Greenland due to worries about regional security. The levies would go into effect on February 1. He asserted that their existence threatened the security and stability of the entire world.
Nandy would to comment on whether the UK will impose its own tariffs in retaliation or take other diplomatic measures, such postponing King Charles's scheduled state visit to the US. She stated that while continuing to collaborate with the US on common security interests, the government would voice its concerns directly to Washington.
"We have a clear and consistent stance on Greenland," Nandy declared. "Even though President Trump has a different opinion, everyone should cooperate to prevent tensions from rising."
Starmer said in a statement that Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that only Danes and Greenlanders should decide its future. He criticized the use of tariffs against members engaged in collective defense activities and stated that Arctic security is a common NATO issue.
Leaders of the opposition denounced Trump's threats as well. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch reiterated that Greenland's sovereignty should be determined by its citizens and claimed that the levies will hurt UK companies. Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, called for greater cooperation with European and Commonwealth partners and accused Trump of intimidating NATO countries. Nigel Farage demanded a more thorough assessment of the threats to international security and said that the levies would hurt the UK economy.
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