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UK Prime Minister Says Trade War Is “In No-One’s Interest” After Trump Tariff Threats
MLN — 20 JAN 2026: British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Monday that a trade war would be “in no, one’s interest” after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and other countries opposing his push to take control of Greenland.
Speaking from Downing Street, Starmer said the “right approach” was “through calm discussion” and warned that the use of tariffs against allies was “not the right way to resolve differences.” He reiterated that decisions about Greenland should rest with the people of Greenland and Denmark.
“Principle cannot be set aside,” Starmer said, while pledging a pragmatic approach that recognizes the economic and military importance of the U.K. U.S. relationship. He said he did not believe Trump was seriously considering military action against Greenland.
Starmer described the situation as “very serious” and called it a “moment for the whole country to pull together,” while welcoming support from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch regarding Greenland and the tariff threat.
Trump’s remarks had been “very badly received” in the U.K., Starmer said, but he cautioned against performative or grandstanding responses.
“It may make politicians feel good, but it does nothing for working people whose jobs, livelihoods and security rely on the relationships we build across the world,” he said.
Asked whether Britain would consider retaliatory tariffs, Starmer said, “We have not got to that stage, my focus is making sure we don’t get to that stage.”
Downing Street said Starmer spoke Monday night with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni about Arctic security. A spokesperson said Starmer told them “it was in everybody’s interests to go further to deliver on Arctic security,” adding that the U.K. stands ready to contribute through NATO.
Trump has said he plans to impose a 10 percent tariff on goods from the U.K. and several European countries starting Feb. 1, with the rate rising to 25 percent on June 1. Economists have estimated the tariffs could reduce the U.K.’s gross domestic product by about 0.5 percent.
European leaders are expected to raise Greenland and trade tensions with Trump this week as he travels to Davos for the World Economic Forum.
