Keir Starmer engaged in discussions with Donald Trump today while European leaders moved to ease concerns regarding his threats to annex Greenland. Acting as a mediator, the Prime Minister endeavored to persuade the US President to pursue his objectives through diplomatic channels rather than resorting to force to claim the Danish-controlled territory.
Following an initial conversation with the President on Wednesday evening, PM Starmer held talks with Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister. No10 stated that Mr. Starmer reiterated his stance on Greenland, with both leaders concurring that Nato should intensify 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 in the afternoon.
A spokesperson from Downing Street remarked, “The leaders deliberated on Euro-Atlantic security and concurred on the necessity to counter an increasingly assertive Russia in the High North. European Allies have bolstered their defenses in recent months to safeguard Euro-Atlantic interests, but there is room for further efforts to secure the region, as emphasized by the Prime Minister.”
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 yesterday that under Trump, the US was straying from international norms and gradually drifting apart from some of its allies. UK minister Pat McFadden maintained that the US remains a dependable ally, notwithstanding President Trump’s conduct.
Downing Street confirmed that the Prime Minister, consistent in his stance that Greenland’s fate should be determined by Greenland and Denmark alone, articulated his position on Greenland during the call.