Starmer raises sovereignty concerns in call with Trump

Starmer raises sovereignty concerns in call with Trump
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, London, Britain, January 19, 2026
Reuters

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with US President Donald Trump as Washington plans to impose 10 per cent tariffs on the UK and several European allies.

The move is linked to renewed US claims over Greenland, raising concerns about trade and diplomacy.

The call comes after Donald Trump again suggested the United States should acquire Greenland, prompting swift and firm reactions across Europe.

Danish authorities reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and stressed that decisions about its future must rest solely with the people of Greenland.

In London, Keir Starmer underlined the importance of respecting sovereignty and international law, warning that territorial integrity must not be used as leverage in global politics.

He has repeatedly said that Greenland’s future should be determined by its own people and by Denmark.

The diplomatic exchange follows Trump’s announcement of proposed tariffs on the UK and other European countries.

The US president has linked the move to broader disagreements involving Greenland, despite the absence of any negotiations or legal mechanism for a potential transfer of the Arctic territory.

Eight countries named in the tariff proposal warned the measures could damage transatlantic relations and trigger escalation.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK said they stood in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland, while reaffirming their shared commitment to Arctic security.

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