Sir Keir Starmer has said that a trade war is “not the right way to resolve differences” within the coalition.
During the Downing Street press conference on the Greenland crisis, the Prime Minister appeared to rule out the possibility of imposing retaliatory tariffs on the US.
Politics Live: What will Britain do next on Greenland?
It came as Donald Trump threatened Britain and other European countries with 10% tariffs on all goods from February, rising to 25% from June, unless Washington reaches a deal to buy the self-autonomous Danish island.
Sir Keir said using tariffs against allies was “completely wrong” and “not the right way to resolve differences”.
However, when asked by Sky News’ Political Editor Beth Rigg if he is planning retaliatory tariffs, Sir Keir said, “A tariff war is in nobody’s interests and so what I want to do is avoid a tariff war because businesses, workers and families across the country will be hit by a trade war.”
He said he would speak with European allies and Mr Trump, adding, “We have to find a practical, sensible, sustained way through this that avoids some consequences that will be very serious for our country.”
The US president has not ruled out military action to achieve his goal of seizing Greenland, which he seeks because of its strategic Arctic location and mineral wealth.
Sir Keir said he did not think Mr. Trump was really considering that option, telling reporters, “I think it can and should be resolved through peaceful discussion.”
Britain has insisted that the US should play no role in Greenland’s future, echoing Europe’s position.
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In an announcement Saturday night, Mr. Trump said tariffs “on any and all goods” shipped to the US would hit the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Sir Keir responded to the issue by stating that the decision was “completely wrong.”
Sir Keir responded to the issue by saying that the decision was “completely wrong” and reiterated his position that Greenland’s future is “a matter for Greenlanders and Danes”.
The prime minister’s spokesman said he also told Mr Trump in a subsequent phone call on Sunday that the tariffs were wrong.
However, at a press conference on Monday, Sir Keir insisted that the US “remains a close ally.”
He said, “The US remains a close ally in defence, security, intelligence, and nuclear capabilities.” We have worked very closely with the United States, and we should never forget our national interest in this.”
“But we must stand up for our values. We must be clear about the principles we are applying here, and we will continue to do so on the tariff question.
