'Completely wrong!' Keir Starmer slams Donald Trump's threat to slap tariffs on UK over Greenland dispute

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.

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.

"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.

European nations, including the UK, sent military personnel to the island this week at Denmark's request.

President Trump said Britain was playing a "very dangerous game".

"On top of everything else, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown," he wrote to Truth Social.

"This is a very dangerous situation for the safety, security, and survival of our planet.

"These countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.

"Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect global peace and security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question."

No10 confirmed that one UK military officer had been sent to Denmark at the country's request to join a reconnaissance group ahead of a planned Arctic Endurance exercise, but denied it amounted to a “deployment”.

French President Emmanuel Macron has branded the US tariffs "unacceptable".

He said: "No intimidation or threat will influence us—neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations.

"Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner should they be confirmed.

"We will ensure that European sovereignty is upheld. It is in this spirit that I will engage with our European partners."

Protests have been held across Denmark and Greenland today against Mr Trump's plans.

Organisers estimated over 20,000 people attended the protest in Copenhagen - akin to the entire population of Greenland's capital Nuuk.