By Peter Omopo
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom will not bow to pressure from former United States President Donald Trump over the future of Greenland, insisting that Britain will stand firm on its principles despite threats of economic retaliation.
Starmer made the statement on Wednesday during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons, where he was challenged by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch over recent remarks by Trump. The former US president has threatened to impose 10 per cent tariffs on European countries that oppose his stated plan to take control of Greenland.
“I will not yield. Britain will not yield on our principles and values about the future of Greenland under threats of tariffs,” Starmer told MPs, describing the tariff threats as “completely wrong.”
The prime minister stressed that the future of Greenland should be determined by its people, a position he said aligns with international law and democratic values. He also disclosed that Denmark’s prime minister is expected in the UK for bilateral talks, underscoring ongoing diplomatic engagement on the issue.
The debate also reignited controversy over the UK government’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. Badenoch criticised the agreement, accusing the government of “giving away territory we own and paying £35bn for the privilege,” and urged Starmer to scrap the deal and redirect funds to defence.
Starmer rejected the criticism, arguing that Trump’s recent description of the Chagos deal as an “act of great stupidity” was intended to pressure the UK into changing its stance on Greenland. He noted that the US administration had previously supported the Chagos agreement and insisted that the deal was necessary to secure the future of the strategic military base.
“The president deployed those words for the express purpose of pressuring Britain on Greenland,” Starmer said, adding that he was surprised by what he described as opportunistic opposition from the Conservatives.
During the session, Starmer also addressed broader foreign policy concerns, emphasising the importance of maintaining strong relations with the United States while working closely with NATO allies and European partners. He cautioned against rushing into a trade war, warning that such a move would harm working people.
The PMQs session was marked by heated exchanges across the chamber, including criticism of Trump from Labour backbenchers and renewed scrutiny of the Chagos Islands agreement. Despite the pressure, Starmer maintained a firm tone, insisting that the government would act in the UK’s national interest while upholding its values on international issues.
