The Foreign Secretary of the UK emphasized that the fate of Greenland should be determined by the people of Greenland and Denmark exclusively, without interference from any other parties. This statement comes in the midst of concerns that President Donald Trump may seek to acquire Greenland, citing national security interests.
The White House has previously hinted at its interest in the territory, with President Trump reigniting the discussion following recent US activities in Venezuela. Reiterating the sovereignty of Greenland as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Foreign Secretary emphasized the collaborative efforts of European partners, NATO allies, and other countries on security matters.
Support for Denmark’s position was echoed by UK officials, including Keir Starmer, who emphasized solidarity with Denmark in rejecting any claims by the US over Greenland. Stressing the importance of allowing Greenland and Denmark to decide their own future, UK leaders underscored the significance of respecting the sovereignty of these nations.
Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt expressed concerns that attempting to annex Greenland could severely strain the NATO alliance, cautioning against such actions that could jeopardize the unity of European leaders. Hunt highlighted the potential consequences of such a move, emphasizing the need to prevent any destabilizing actions that could threaten the cohesion of NATO.
In separate remarks, UK officials also addressed the situation in Venezuela, advocating for a peaceful transition to democracy in the country. While emphasizing the need for democratic processes in Venezuela, concerns were raised about the legality of recent US military operations in the region, with different perspectives on the adherence to international law.
Regarding the safety of British nationals in Venezuela, Downing Street emphasized that protecting UK citizens on the ground is a top priority. British nationals were advised to remain in secure locations and review their options for departure, ensuring travel documents are up to date and easily accessible, with contingency plans in place for emergency situations.