Keir Starmer engaged in discussions with Donald Trump today amidst European leaders’ efforts to ease concerns regarding his intentions to annex Greenland. Acting as a mediator, the Prime Minister aimed to persuade the US President to pursue his objectives through diplomatic channels rather than resorting to force to acquire the Danish territory.
Following an initial conversation with the President on Wednesday evening, the PM conversed with Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister. No10 reported that Mr. Starmer reiterated his stance on Greenland, with both leaders concurring that Nato should enhance its presence in the region to deter Russian aggression.
Subsequently, he communicated along similar lines with Mark Rutte, Nato’s Secretary General, before reconnecting with Trump later in the day.
A spokesperson from Downing Street stated, “The leaders deliberated on Euro-Atlantic security matters and concurred on the necessity of deterring an increasingly aggressive Russia in the High North. While European Allies have bolstered defenses in recent months to safeguard Euro-Atlantic interests, the Prime Minister emphasized the potential for further measures to protect the region.”
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was scheduled to meet with US Vice President JD Vance today, with discussions likely to encompass Greenland and Venezuela.
The Deputy Prime Minister is currently in the United States to participate in an event commemorating the 250th Anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence from Britain.
French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that under Trump, the US was straying from international norms and distancing itself from certain allies. Nevertheless, UK minister Pat McFadden affirmed that the US remains a dependable ally, despite President Trump’s conduct.
Downing Street highlighted that the PM, consistent in his view that Greenland’s fate must be determined by itself and Denmark, reiterated his stance on Greenland during the call.