THE UK and other European countries are in "intensive discussions" about the proposed Donald Trump tariffs.
Trump’s plan to hit the UK with tariffs until a deal is reached to purchase Greenland has prompted criticism from politicians across Europe who fear for their impact on the economy and democracy.
The US president said the UK, along with seven other European countries, will be charged a 10% tariff “on any and all goods” sent to the US from February 1, increased to 25% from June 1, until a deal is reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK Government would be “pursuing” the US over the threat of tariffs over Greenland, adding that: “Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is completely wrong.”
He added: “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."
Writing on social media, prime minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson said: “We will not let ourselves be blackmailed.
“Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland.
“I will always stand up for my country, and for our allied neighbours. This is an EU issue that affects many more countries than those now being singled out.
“Sweden is now having intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway, and the United Kingdom for a co-ordinated response.”
French prime minister Emmanuel Macron said he would be speaking to European partners about the Trump tariff threat.
In a statement on social media, he said: “France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of Nations, in Europe and elsewhere. This guides our choices. It underpins our attachment to the United Nations and our charter.
“It is on this basis that we support and will continue to support Ukraine, and that we have built a coalition of the willing for a robust and lasting peace, to defend these principles and our security.
“It is also on this basis that we have decided to join the exercise decided by Denmark in Greenland. We stand by this decision and also because it concerns security in the Arctic and at the frontiers of our Europe.
“No intimidation nor 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 to them in a united and co-ordinated manner if they were to be confirmed. We will know how to uphold European sovereignty.
“It is in this spirit that I will hold talks with our European partners.”
The statements come as cross-party politicians and representatives condemn the announcement from Trump, with Ellie Chowns (below), the leader of the Parliamentary Green Party, saying "Greenland cannot be bought".
“Donald Trump treats the international stage like a schoolyard playground, attempting to bully and brute force other countries into compliance with his imperialist agenda," she wrote in a statement released on Saturday evening.
Chowns added: “The unhinged president’s latest threat to impose tariffs on the UK and a swathe of our European allies is an outrageous abuse of power and a direct attack on the principle of national self-determination, treating the future of Greenland as if it were a piece of spoils to be bought and sold.
“The UK must not be cowed. In an attempt to uphold Britain’s so-called ‘special relationship’ with the US, the UK Government has continuously appeased and emboldened the increasingly erratic president as he pursues a dangerous agenda of naked geopolitical vanity. This cannot continue. Chasing the White House’s favour will not secure Britain’s economic future; it leaves us exposed to the whims of a man with no respect for international law and order."
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “The constant threat of arbitrary tariffs for not acceding to the latest whim of the White House reinforce the need for us to have a better, closer political and trading relating with the EU.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said Trump was “punishing” the UK.
Writing on social media, he said: “Starmer’s US policy lies in tatters. Trump is now punishing the UK and Nato allies just for doing the right thing.
“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.”
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Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Trump was “completely wrong” to impose tariffs over Greenland, writing: “A terrible idea. President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland. People in both UK and US will face higher costs.
“These tariffs will be yet another burden for businesses across our country. The sovereignty of Greenland should only be decided by the people of Greenland.
“On this, I agree with Keir Starmer.”
Reform leader Nigel Farage said Trump’s Greenland tariffs would hurt the UK.
"We don’t always agree with the US government and in this case we certainly don’t. These tariffs will hurt us," Farage wrote.
“If Greenland is vulnerable to malign influences, then have another look at Diego Garcia.”
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