The threat of a 10% tariff by the US president has been called “completely wrong” by Sir Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, rallies in support of Greenland have been held across the Danish kingdom.
Donald Trump has sparked backlash after saying he will impose tariffs on eight European countries – including the UK – until the US is allowed to purchase Greenland.
The US president said 10% tariffs would come into effect on 1 February for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland.
The rate would then climb to 25% on 1 June if no deal was in place for “the complete and total purchase of Greenland” by the United States, Mr Trump wrote in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday.
Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland – as it happened
The US president seems to have acted on his previous warning that he would impose tariffs on countries that do not go along with his plan to acquire the Danish territory.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Trump was “completely wrong” for applying tariffs on allies who are “pursuing the collective security of NATO allies”, adding that he will be “pursuing” this with the US administration.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the threat of tariffs “unacceptable” and said if implemented Europe would respond in a coordinated manner.
The European Union called an emergency meeting of ambassadors from the 27-member countries for Sunday following Mr Trump’s announcement.
