London (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 18, 2026 – UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described President Donald Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland as “wrong and unhelpful” during BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. She affirmed the UK’s position that Greenland’s future belongs to its people and Denmark remains non-negotiable. The remarks follow Trump’s announcement of 10% tariffs rising to 25% on eight European nations including the UK, unless a purchase deal materialises.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy addressed the escalating transatlantic dispute directly on BBC television Sunday morning. Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, Nandy emphasised ongoing dialogue with Washington despite sharp differences. Reform UK MP Richard Tice joined her, echoing criticism while advocating private negotiations.
UK Government Reaffirms Non-Negotiable Greenland Stance
Lisa Nandy stated the UK’s position on Greenland stands firm as a matter for its people and the Kingdom of Denmark. She told the BBC programme the stance qualifies as non-negotiable, serving as the conversation’s starting point. Nandy noted Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed views clearly, though no direct Trump call occurred recently.
Journalist Kevin Schofield highlighted Nandy’s firm boundary on sovereignty changes.
Kevin Schofield (@KevinASchofield) said in X post,
“Culture secretary Lisa Nandy warns Donald Trump the UK’s position on the sovereignty of Greenland is “non-negotiable”. We would never allow any changes to be made to the future of Greenland without the consent of the people of Greenland and the people of Denmark.”
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy warns Donald Trump the UK’s position on the sovereignty of Greenland is “non-negotiable”.
“We would never allow any changes to be made to the future of Greenland without the consent of the people of Greenland and the people of Denmark.”
— Kevin Schofield (@KevinASchofield) January 18, 2026
The culture secretary highlighted mutual Arctic security concerns driving Trump’s push. She mentioned Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent Norway visit, where the UK signalled doubled marine presence over three years. Nandy stressed sensible dialogue remains essential given shared interests.
As reported by Sky News correspondents on January 18, Nandy called the tariff approach wrong and unhelpful in a separate interview. The comments align with broader government messaging amid EU ambassador meetings in Brussels.
Nandy Criticises Tariff Threats as Counterproductive
Nandy described Trump’s proposed 10% tariffs on UK goods from February 1, rising to 25% by June 1, as deeply unhelpful and counterproductive. She noted these measures target allies pursuing NATO collective security over Greenland. The culture secretary affirmed the prime minister’s forthright response without shying away.
Sky News broadcast Nandy’s assessment that tariffs constitute the wrong approach entirely. She linked the threats to Trump’s Russia concerns in the Arctic region. Nandy expressed confidence in resolving differences through adult debate and strong US working relationships.
The UK government views negotiations as typical following such announcements. Nandy avoided predicting Trump’s next moves but underscored talking in mutual interest. She referenced ongoing US-UK dialogues across multiple channels.
Reform UK’s Richard Tice Echoes Tariff Criticism
Reform UK MP Richard Tice appeared alongside Nandy, labelling Trump’s strategy completely wrong. He advised the government to publicly correct Trump while negotiating privately away from media glare. Tice stressed behind-the-scenes clarity on improper methods serves best.
Tice highlighted NATO’s success as a defensive alliance since inception. He noted universal commitment to higher defence spending strengthens the pact. The MP referenced upcoming Davos summit discussions where Trump will hear allied views.
BBC live coverage captured Tice praising recent Reform recruit Robert Jenrick as a great asset. Jenrick brings ministerial experience amid positive party reaction. Tice fielded questions on potential chancellor roles within Reform leadership.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson Addresses Greenland Tensions
US Speaker Mike Johnson spoke on the same BBC programme before Trump’s tariff announcement. He acknowledged Greenland holds strategic importance without belonging to America. Johnson foresaw no military intervention, favouring diplomatic channels instead.
Responding to Kuenssberg’s query on military rhetoric, Johnson urged attention to Trump’s words. He suggested allies now station personnel there, framing it as chess-like presidential strategy. Johnson’s London visit precedes a January 20 parliamentary address marking US independence’s 250th anniversary.
Trump’s Tariff Announcement Targets Eight European Nations
President Trump detailed the tariff plan Saturday via Truth Social, linking levies to Greenland acquisition. The 10% duty applies from February 1 to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland. Rates increase to 25% on June 1 until complete purchase agreement.
Trump cited national security needs including Thule Air Base operations and rare earth minerals. He maintained Denmark cannot adequately defend the territory. The proposal revives 2019 purchase overtures amid Arctic rivalries.
European leaders including Keir Starmer condemned tariffs on NATO allies as completely wrong. EU ambassadors convened urgently in Brussels Sunday afternoon under Cyprus presidency. Protests continued across Denmark and Greenland.
British Political Reactions Span Party Lines
Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously called tariff imposition on allies misguided. Nandy defended government focus amid Labour trailing Reform UK in polls. She characterised Reform as a vehicle for failed Conservatives, citing Jenrick’s defection.
Robert Jenrick joined Reform UK Thursday after Kemi Badenoch sacked him from shadow justice secretary over defection plotting. Jenrick announced alongside Nigel Farage, decrying broken Britain. Badenoch welcomed him becoming Farage’s issue.
Tice dismissed personal ambition claims, emphasising right-wing unity. He confirmed Farage decides future roles like chancellor among Reform talent. Commentator Ross Kempsell raised concerns over escalation risks.
Ross Kempsell (@RossKempsell) said in X post,
“Nandy does not rule out reciprocal tariffs on the US – madness. Two great allies are talking each other into a terrible trade war. Starmer’s approach to whinge and throw his toys out the pram is not going to work with President Trump. The UK needs a real strategy on Greenland”
Nandy does not rule out reciprocal tariffs on the US – madness. Two great allies are talking each other into a terrible trade war. Starmer’s approach to whinge and throw his toys out the pram is not going to work with President Trump. The UK needs a real strategy on Greenland
— Ross Kempsell (@RossKempsell) January 18, 2026
Broader Context of Transatlantic Trade Dispute
The tariffs threaten billions in annual UK-US trade volumes. Sectors like agriculture and manufacturing face immediate exposure. Brussels prepares coordinated countermeasures pending ambassador outcomes.
Denmark’s government issued formal rejections alongside 3,500 Copenhagen protesters. Greenland Premier Múte B. Egede rallied Nuuk crowds on self-determination. EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis readies responses.
French President Emmanuel Macron deemed threats unacceptable. UK officials stress NATO Arctic commitments continue unabated. Business groups monitor potential economic fallout closely.
Historical Precedents in US-European Trade Frictions
Trump’s first term featured steel and aluminium duties on allies. Similar leverage tactics marked renegotiated deals. Current escalations tie directly to territorial ambitions unlike prior economic focus.
US interest in Greenland spans 1867 and 1946 purchase attempts. Thule Base dates to 1951 Cold War origins. Climate change amplifies route and resource stakes drawing global attention.
Arctic Security Underpins Ongoing Developments
Melting ice exposes shipping lanes drawing Russia and China investments. Pentagon reports highlight Greenland’s radar positions. NATO allies debate enhanced burden-sharing amid rising tensions.
UK doubles northern marines per recent announcements. Norway hosts joint exercises underscoring alliance resolve. Trump’s rhetoric tests unity amid shared threats from eastern powers.
Political Ramifications Within UK Domestic Scene
Nandy faced questions on NHS waiting lists, defending Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s record. She advocated cabinet diversity of views serving working people. Labour pushes museum and library funding amid economic resets.
Reform UK gains from Tory defections signal right-wing realignment. Jenrick’s move follows internal Conservative tensions. Polls show persistent Labour-Reform competition influencing policy debates.
International Echoes and Next Steps
Canadian officials flagged Arctic precedents. Nordic Council considers joint statements. UN indigenous rights frameworks gain prominence in discussions.
Davos convenes leaders next week for direct Trump engagements. EU summit outcomes shape formal responses. London maintains dialogue channels remain operational despite public friction.