The United Kingdom has ruled out immediate retaliatory trade measures against the United States, despite former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs linked to Britain’s support for Greenland.
Speaking at an emergency press conference in Downing Street, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said a tariff war with Washington would be “in no one’s interest,” emphasizing the need for calm diplomacy rather than escalation.
Starmer: A Tariff War Would Harm Ordinary Citizens
Trump has threatened to introduce 10 percent tariffs from February 1 on NATO allies that deploy troops to Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. Starmer strongly criticized the proposal, calling it “completely wrong.”
However, he stressed that retaliation would not benefit Britain, warning that any trade conflict would ultimately hurt businesses, workers, and families across the country.
“A tariff war isn’t in anybody’s interests,” Starmer said.
“My focus is making sure we don’t get to that stage.”
The prime minister confirmed that the UK has not reached the point of considering countermeasures, and that his priority remains preventing further escalation.
Respect for Greenland’s Sovereignty
Starmer underlined that the principle of Greenland and Denmark determining their own sovereignty “cannot be set aside,” while calling for disputes with Washington to be handled through “direct, respectful and results-focused dialogue.”
Despite the tensions, he reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic relations, noting that the UK is committed to keeping ties with the U.S. “constructive and focused on results.”
Contrast With France’s Harder Line
Trump’s announcement, made over the weekend on his Truth Social platform, reportedly caught European capitals off guard, as several NATO members have been seeking to demonstrate support for Greenland amid concerns over Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
Starmer’s restrained approach contrasts with French President Emmanuel Macron, who has urged the European Union to consider tougher trade responses toward Washington.
A senior British official said it was “right and proper” for the UK and its European allies to respond firmly to Trump’s remarks, but added that de-escalation is now the priority.
“Now it is time to lower the temperature and promote diplomatic off-ramps,” the official said, signaling that this will be the UK’s main focus in the coming days.
