British PM welcomes Trump dropping UK tariffs over Greenland

Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed Donald Trump’s decision to drop his threat of tariffs on the United Kingdom, but warned that the “hard yards” of strengthening Greenland’s security now lie ahead.

During a visit to Hertfordshire on January 21, the Prime Minister spoke to residents about recent international developments and the implications for the UK, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He said:

“I think you will have noticed that the last few days have been incredibly serious in relation to big things happening on the world stage.

He added that the removal of the tariff threat marked a positive step forward:

“And you may have seen but it is a good thing that yesterday, the threat of tariffs against the United Kingdom was lifted and now we can start hard yards and finding a way forward on security in the Arctic, which may seem a long way away, pretty remote, but actually it does matter to all of us in terms of the safety and security of our country.

Reflecting on how the UK handled the situation, Sir Keir highlighted the role of pragmatism and principles:

“And we’ve got through the last few days with a mix of British pragmatism, common sense, but also that British sense of sticking to our values and our principles.

He concluded by emphasising the work still ahead on Arctic security:

“But now, as I say, the hard yards of actually finding a better way for security for our country, for Europe and across the globe.”

Trump has abandoned his threat to impose tariffs on European countries opposing his bid to control Greenland and said he will not use force to seize the territory.

The decision follows a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Davos, where the two leaders agreed on a “framework” for a potential deal involving Greenland and the wider Arctic region.

Trump said on Truth Social:

“This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations.”

The announcement marks a sharp reversal in a dispute that had strained transatlantic relations and sparked debate over Arctic security.

By Aghakazim Guliyev