Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said on Sunday 18 January that the UK will not compromise on its position that Greenland’s future is for the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark to decide. She called the US tariff threat “deeply unhelpful and counterproductive” and said an adult conversation with Washington is required, reiterating that the UK stance is “non‑negotiable.” She was speaking on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/18/uk-stance-greenland-future-non-negotiable-says-lisa-nandy?utm_source=openai))
Her remarks follow President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 10% tariff on goods from eight European allies from 1 February 2026, rising to 25% by 1 June unless a deal is reached for a US purchase of Greenland. The countries named were Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK. Trump framed the move as a national security measure linked to Arctic strategy. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/4e63efa690604004c69fc89a7c14e7c2?utm_source=openai))
In a joint statement published on 18 January, the eight governments warned that tariff threats “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.” They affirmed “full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland,” and noted that the Danish‑led, pre‑coordinated “Arctic Endurance” exercise with allies “poses no threat.” The statement commits the group to remain united and coordinated in their response. ([government.se](https://www.government.se/statements/2026/01/statement-by-denmark-finland-france-germany-the-netherlands-norway-sweden-and-the-united-kingdom/?utm_source=openai))
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the tariff announcement as “completely wrong” and said the UK would pursue the issue directly with the US administration. Nandy added that the Prime Minister intended to speak to President Trump at the earliest opportunity. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/17/uk-politicians-condemn-trumps-threat-to-impose-tariffs-over-greenland?utm_source=openai))
European deployments to Greenland remain limited. The UK has confirmed that a single military officer joined a Danish‑requested reconnaissance group ahead of the “Arctic Endurance” exercise, with small teams from Germany, Norway and Sweden also reported. Officials stress the activity is about planning and reassurance, not provocation. ([aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/uk-military-officer-among-european-troops-sent-to-greenland-reports/3800366?utm_source=openai))
In Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson told BBC One that Greenland is “not our land,” while acknowledging its strategic importance to the United States. He said he did not foresee military intervention and favoured diplomatic channels. ([the-star.co.ke](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/world/2026-01-18-greenland-people-must-decide-its-future-says-uk/?utm_source=openai))
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any US attack on a NATO ally would mean the end of the Alliance and the wider post‑war security order. For context, the United States already operates Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland under a 1951 defence agreement; permanent staffing is around 150 US personnel. ([pbs.org](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/a-u-s-takeover-of-greenland-would-mark-the-end-of-nato-danish-prime-minister-says?utm_source=openai))
For UK exporters, the immediate exposure is commercial. In the United States, tariffs are paid by the importer of record and are commonly passed through supply chains to customers, raising delivered prices and eroding competitiveness. The UK exported £59.3 billion in goods to the US in 2024; cars (£9.0bn), medicinal and pharmaceutical products (£6.6bn), and machinery dominated shipments. A 10% duty across categories would materially lift end‑prices in these sectors. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_duties_in_the_United_States?utm_source=openai))
The eight‑nation statement also clarifies that “Arctic Endurance” is defensive and aligned with NATO commitments. Greenland’s constitutional position is set by the 2009 Self‑Government Act, which recognises the Greenlandic people’s right to self‑determination within the Kingdom of Denmark while leaving defence and foreign policy to Copenhagen. ([government.se](https://www.government.se/statements/2026/01/statement-by-denmark-finland-france-germany-the-netherlands-norway-sweden-and-the-united-kingdom/?utm_source=openai))
What to watch now is the timeline. Unless there is movement, the initial 10% US tariff is due to take effect on 1 February, with a rise to 25% on 1 June. UK officials will continue diplomatic engagement while preparing mitigations for exposed sectors should the measures proceed. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/4e63efa690604004c69fc89a7c14e7c2?utm_source=openai))