Sir Keir Starmer expressed his views on Greenland during a recent discussion with Donald Trump, as confirmed by Downing Street. The United States has hinted at the potential use of military force to gain control over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory believed to be crucial for national security by President Trump. Specific details of Sir Keir’s statements were not disclosed by Downing Street.
The UK Prime Minister has consistently emphasized that the future of Greenland should be determined solely by Greenland and Denmark, reiterating this stance in the House of Commons earlier on the same day. The dispute surrounding Greenland has strained relations between the US and Europe, with Denmark’s prime minister cautioning that a US takeover could have adverse implications for NATO.
In addition to the Greenland issue, the phone call also addressed the seizure of the oil tanker Marinera, ongoing discussions concerning Ukraine, and US military involvement in Venezuela. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned Trump’s contemplation of “acquiring Greenland,” contemplating a potential purchase while keeping the option of using force open.
Lord Peter Mandelson, writing in the Spectator and previously dismissed as the US ambassador due to connections with Jeffrey Epstein, criticized European nations for their exaggerated concerns regarding Greenland, attributing it to their diminishing geopolitical influence. Mandelson argued against fears of a US invasion of Greenland, dismissing sovereignty and NATO concerns as exaggerated, and advocated for an enhanced American presence in the region to counter the influence of Russia and China.
Sir Keir’s conversation coincides with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy’s upcoming meeting with US Vice-President JD Vance, where discussions on Greenland are anticipated, marking the 250th anniversary of America’s independence from Britain. Lammy and Vance, who have a longstanding friendship, met last year at Chevening.
The call between Starmer and Trump was their first since US special forces apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and transported him to New York over the weekend.