By: Buhle Mbhele
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticised US President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on allies over Greenland, describing the move as completely wrong.
Over the weekend, Trump said he would impose a 10% tariff on goods from eight NATO allies from February if they oppose his proposed takeover of Greenland. He further warned that the tariff could be increased to 25% by June.
Starmer said Greenland’s future should be determined solely by the people of Greenland and Denmark, emphasising the importance of respecting international law and national sovereignty.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and is not for sale, a position that has been repeatedly stated by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders. The island holds strategic importance due to its location in the Arctic and its potential natural resources, but any change to its status would require the consent of its population.
Trump’s remarks have drawn criticism from several European leaders, who argue that using economic pressure against allies undermines NATO unity at a time of heightened global tensions.
