On Friday, Sir Keir criticised Mr Trump over his claim in a Davos speech that European NATO troops had avoided frontline duties in Afghanistan.
Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer (Image: GETTY)
Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump had a tense 10-minute phone call on Sunday evening over the US president’s push to acquire Greenland, according to sources familiar with the conversation. The call took place as Sir Keir was at Chequers, having cancelled a planned cost-of-living speech to address Mr Trump‘s threats of tariffs on European allies, including the UK, if they opposed US moves on the Danish territory.
Sir Keir was described as “clear and cordial” during the exchange. He told Mr Trump that applying tariffs on NATO allies over Greenland was wrong. Mr Trump was direct in stating his interest in the territory, which he has described as strategically important.
The call ended after a few minutes when Mr Trump cited a prior engagement, according to The Telegraph.
This followed Mr Trump’s announcement last Saturday of potential tariffs on European countries unless Denmark agreed to cede control of Greenland. Mr Trump has previously expressed interest in the island during his first term.
Sir Keir responded promptly. On Monday he held an emergency press conference, rejecting the tariff threats and emphasising support for Denmark and European partners. He stated that applying tariffs on NATO allies was completely wrong and called for dialogue to prevent escalation.
At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir was more forceful, telling the House of Commons: “I will not yield, Britain will not yield, on our principles and values about the future of Greenland and the threats of tariffs.”
Yvette Cooper is understood to be advocating a tougher stance with Mr Trump (Image: Getty)
On Friday, Sir Keir criticised Mr Trump over his claim in a Davos speech that European NATO troops had avoided frontline duties in Afghanistan.
He described the remarks as “insulting and frankly appalling”.
Mr Trump appeared to step back from the tariff threat in his Davos address, stating no force would be used over Greenland and referring to a “deal” discussed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Details of any agreement remain unclear.
As of Saturday, Mr Trump, who never served himself in the US military, having received several deferments over “bone spurs” during the Vietnam war, has not publicly responded to Sir Keir’s Afghanistan comments. Nevetheless, the episode has highlighted significant strains in UK-US relations.
Contributing factors include pressure from Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper for a more independent stance, delays in appointing a new UK ambassador to Washington following Lord Mandelson’s departure, and perceptions in No 10 that previous engagement with Mr Trump had been too accommodating.
Sir Keir and Mr Trump have had limited direct contact since the UK state visit in September.
Other European leaders, including Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte, have been more involved in recent discussions with Mr Trump.
The row occurs amid domestic pressure on Sir Keir, with leadership speculation and local elections in May approaching.
