Sir Keir Starmer and his European counterparts have said they will “not stop defending” Greenland’s territorial integrity in a direct challenge to US President Donald Trump.
The Prime Minister and leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark called the United States an “essential partner” in defending Arctic security but stressed that Greenland “belongs to its people” in a joint statement
President Trump has insisted the US will take over Greenland, describing the semi-autonomous Danish territory as vital for his country’s national security.
However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned efforts to take over the territory by force would mean the end of the Nato military alliance.
The letter written by the leaders said: “Nato has made clear that the Artic region is a priority and European allies are stepping up.
“We and many other allies have increased our presence, activities and investments, to keep the Arctic safe and to deter adversaries. The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is part of Nato.
“Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with Nato allies including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
“These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them.”
The European leaders have issued a warning to President Trump
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Greenland in comparison to the United States and Denmark
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Prime Minister Frederiksen made reference to ‘conflict over Greenland’ in a New Years Day speech | MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/GETTY
They said: “Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”
However, Downing Street has declined to say whether the UK would be willing to mount a military fight to defend Greenland.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said he did not want to “get into hypotheticals” when asked about the likelihood of the US following through with threats to annex the territory or whether the UK would be willing to fight militarily on its behalf.
He later added: “As the Prime Minister said and reiterated with other leaders this morning, Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which is a member of Nato. Nato’s strength lies in the unity and collective defence of its members. The UK is proud to be a leader in Nato alongside the US, and obviously that includes staunchly supporting and upholding its principles.”
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Greenland’s Head of Government Jens-Frederik Nielsen
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Health Secretary Wes Streeting told GB News this morning: “We are very clear about Greenland. It is for the people of Greenland to determine their own future. They’ve been very clear about where they stand. They are part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
“They are part of the Nato alliance. There is no question about Greenland’s future as far as the UK is concerned.”
Mr Streeting’s comments came shortly after Ms Frederiksen said: “If the United States chooses to attack another Nato country militarily, then everything stops.
“That is including our Nato and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War.”
Wes Streeting made clear Labour’s stance on Greenland
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GB NEWSGreenland’s Head of Government Jens-Frederik Nielsen said support from European leaders was “important at a time when international principles are being challenged”.
He added: “I will again ask the United States to seek a respectful dialogue.”
Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of just 57,000 people, is not an independent member of Nato but is covered by Denmark’s membership of the Western military alliance.
The island’s strategic location between Europe and North America makes it a critical site for the US ballistic missile defence system. Its mineral wealth also aligns with Washington’s ambition to reduce reliance on Chinese exports.