London (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 19, 2026 – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will deliver a Downing Street speech at 09:15 GMT today following US President Donald Trump’s threats of 10% tariffs on the UK and seven other NATO nations over Greenland. Starmer told Trump in a Sunday phone call that such tariffs on allies pursuing collective NATO security are wrong, while also speaking with Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Denmark insists it will not be blackmailed, as troops from affected countries reinforce the territory amid Trump’s push for its “complete and total purchase”.
Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to address the escalating Greenland crisis from Downing Street this morning, hours after direct talks with US President Donald Trump.
The speech, scheduled for 09:15 GMT, follows Trump’s Saturday announcement of 10% tariffs on imports from eight European nations – the UK, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden – starting 1 February, rising to 25% by 1 June unless a Greenland deal is reached.
Confirmation of Starmer-Trump Phone Call
Downing Street confirmed Starmer spoke with Trump on Sunday evening, their first conversation since the tariff vow. A spokesperson stated Starmer reiterated that security in the high north is a priority for all NATO allies to protect Euro-Atlantic interests, and applying tariffs on allies for this pursuit is wrong.
Journalist Paul Brand provided early details on the call.
Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) said in X post,
“NEW: Keir Starmer has had a phone call with President Trump. No10 releasing very little detail, save to say, “The Prime Minister reiterated his position on Greenland.” “He also said that applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong.””
NEW: Keir Starmer has had a phone call with President Trump.
No10 releasing very little detail, save to say, “The Prime Minister reiterated his position on Greenland.”
“He also said that applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong.”
— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) January 18, 2026
As reported by Peter Walker, senior political correspondent of The Guardian, and corroborated by BBC live updates edited by Emily McGarvey and Owen Amos, Starmer also called Frederiksen, von der Leyen, and Rutte to coordinate responses.
Trump’s Demands for Greenland Purchase
Trump seeks the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland, calling it essential for US and global security. In a late Sunday Truth Social post, he wrote that NATO urged Denmark for 20 years to address Russian threats near Greenland, but Denmark failed, using only “two dogsleds” for protection.
Trump stated,
“Now it is time, and it will be done!!!”
He described Denmark’s defence as inadequate and called for negotiations, noting risks from supporters creating unsustainable threats despite US protection over decades.
BBC reporting notes Danish soldiers arrived in Nuuk harbour on Sunday, with small numbers from other NATO members reinforcing the island.
Details of Proposed US Tariffs
The tariffs target nations opposing the takeover by deploying troops. Trump specified the 10% levy on goods imports from the listed countries by 1 February, escalating to 25% in June without a deal.
A joint statement from the eight nations on Sunday said the threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a downward spiral, per The Guardian.
Every major UK party condemned the move, including Reform UK.
Starmer’s Monday Downing Street Speech
Starmer cancelled a cost-of-living event to prioritise the crisis. Journalist Lizzy Buchan highlighted the urgency of the hastily arranged press conference.
Lizzy Buchan (@LizzyBuchan) said in X post,
“Keir Starmer will hold a hastily arranged Downing Street press conference this morning after Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on the UK and allies over Greenland”
Keir Starmer will hold a hastily arranged Downing Street press conference this morning after Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on the UK and allies over Greenland https://t.co/dEWTkJSX9P
— Lizzy Buchan (@LizzyBuchan) January 19, 2026
BBC political editor Chris Mason reported the speech will argue international and domestic issues are linked, with Starmer reiterating to Trump that tariffs would be a mistake. Mason quoted a long-standing Western diplomacy observer: “We haven’t seen anything like this in 80 years.”
At the conference, Starmer is not expected to push retaliation but will stress US ties, hoping his rapport with Trump aids de-escalation.
Danish and Greenland Stance
Frederiksen posted on social media Sunday that Denmark wants cooperation, not conflict, and Europe will not be blackmailed, per BBC updates. Greenland’s US representative noted a January 2025 poll showed 85% against joining the US, 6% in favour.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated last week his people would choose Denmark over the US if asked.
Denmark repeated opposition to the takeover.
UK Government Reactions and Non-Negotiable Position
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, on Sunday interviews, said the UK seeks private talks over confrontation. To Sky News, as reported by Peter Walker of The Guardian, Nandy affirmed: “Our position on Greenland is non-negotiable… The future of Greenland is for the people of Greenland and the people of the kingdom of Denmark to determine and for them alone.”
Nandy confirmed rejection of US annexation ideas.
Opposition and Political Pressures
Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick, who defected from Conservatives last week, called Trump’s threats “completely wrong” and “bully boy tactics” on BBC Breakfast. Jenrick urged negotiation, citing Arctic security concerns against China and Russia.
Liberal Democrats demand an emergency Commons debate and ending a US pharmaceuticals deal. Some Labour MPs push Europe alignment.
Broader International Echoes
UN Secretary General António Guterres told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, interviewed by Anna Foster, that the US views its power over international law, prioritising influence. Guterres said confronting the powerful is essential for a better world.
European leaders coordinate, with the Commission eyeing responses to tariff “blackmail.”
Historical Context of Starmer-Trump Ties
Starmer has engaged Trump directly, offering a second UK state visit in early 2025 and meeting at summits. Trump expresses liking for Starmer, aiding UK trade and NATO bridging on Ukraine-Russia issues.
Timeline of Developments
- Saturday: Trump announces tariffs, demands Greenland purchase.
- Sunday: Starmer calls leaders; joint statement; Trump Truth Social post; Danish troops in Nuuk; Frederiksen rejects blackmail.
- Monday 09:15 GMT: Starmer speech.
- 1 February: 10% tariffs.
- 1 June: 25% if no deal.
Why Trump Wants Greenland: Strategic National Security Priorities
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that acquiring Greenland is critical for American national security. Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump described the island as “incredibly strategic,” noting it is “swarming with Russian and Chinese vessels”.
Greenland’s location between the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic positions it along key emerging shipping routes like the Northwest Passage and Transpolar Sea, made viable by climate change. Analysts highlight this enhances its military value as a staging ground for defence operations.
The White House views the purchase as necessary to deter adversaries in the Arctic region. A statement indicated Trump and advisors are evaluating options, with the US military as a potential tool for the commander-in-chief.
Military and Missile Defence Role
Trump’s push aligns with plans for the “Golden Dome” missile defence system. Greenland could host interceptors and bolster US presence against threats.
The US already operates a base on the island, but full control would expand air, naval, and space operations in the Arctic. This counters rising Chinese and Russian activity, including vessels and potential bases.
Trump argued Denmark cannot defend it adequately, claiming they rely on “two dogsleds.” He asserted NATO urged Denmark for 20 years to address Russian threats near Greenland.
Resources and Economic Security
Greenland holds vast minerals essential for technology and defence industries. Trump frames control as vital for “economic security” alongside military needs.
Vice President JD Vance visited in March 2025, stating US policy seeks leadership changes while deferring to Greenlanders. Trump revived the idea post-2024 election, calling US control an “absolute necessity” for global freedom
