In a recent phone conversation between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, Downing Street has disclosed that Sir Keir expressed his stance on Greenland. This discussion arises amidst US officials hinting at potential military actions to take control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory, which President Trump deems crucial for national security. Specific details regarding Sir Keir’s remarks were not disclosed by Downing Street.
Emphasizing the principle that Greenland’s fate should be determined solely by Greenland and Denmark, the Prime Minister reiterated this stance in the House of Commons earlier on the same day. The dispute surrounding Greenland has strained relations between the US and Europe, with Denmark’s prime minister cautioning that a US takeover could jeopardize NATO’s existence.
Apart from the Greenland issue, the phone call also touched on the earlier seizure of the oil tanker “Marinera,” ongoing discussions concerning Ukraine, and US military activities in Venezuela. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously suggested that President Trump was contemplating the acquisition of Greenland, mentioning a potential purchase while underscoring the US’s option to employ force.
In an article for the “Spectator,” Lord Peter Mandelson, formerly dismissed as the US ambassador due to connections with Jeffrey Epstein, criticized European nations for exaggerated reactions to the Greenland situation, attributing it to their diminishing geopolitical influence. Mandelson dismissed concerns about Trump invading Greenland as mere theatrics and advocated for an increased American presence in the region to counter Russia and China.
Sir Keir’s call coincides with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy’s upcoming meeting with US Vice-President JD Vance, where discussions on Greenland are expected to feature prominently. The meeting commemorates the 250th anniversary of America’s independence from Britain. Lammy and Vance share a longstanding friendship, with Lammy having hosted Vance and his family at Chevening last year.
This conversation marked the first interaction between Starmer and Trump since US special forces apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and transported him to New York last Saturday.