Starmer backed Denmark in dispute with Trump over Greenland

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland after American President Donald Trump reiterated his intention to annex this Arctic island to the United States. This was reported by Bloomberg news agency on February 4.

"Of course, Greenland is part of Denmark," said Starmer's spokesman Dave Pares, responding to a question from reporters.

It is specified that this is the first time that the Starmer government has publicly supported Denmark in this diplomatic crisis between NATO allies.

For her part, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has repeatedly said that Greenland is "not for sale," but has signaled a willingness to allow the U.S. to increase its presence there to resolve the dispute.

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Earlier, on January 29, Bloomberg conducted a poll and found that the vast majority of Greenlanders do not want to be part of the US. We are talking about 85% of the island's population. About 6% said that they are not against joining the United States, and 9% are still undecided.

Before that, on January 24, Trump during a telephone conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen insisted on the acquisition of Greenland. It was reported that the American leader was aggressive and set for conflict.

On January 22, Danish MEP Andres Vistisen profanely rejected Trump's idea to buy Greenland. The MP added that Greenland is a fully integrated part of Denmark. One of the moderators reprimanded Vistisen for using foul language, indicating that he would face consequences for his action.

Pele Broberg, chairman of Greenland's largest opposition party, Naleraka, and a member of the island's parliament, suggested on Jan. 20 that Trump should make a "win-win" deal on the island's independence. The island would then be able to reclaim its land and enter into a defense agreement with the United States.

On Dec. 22, 2024, Trump said it was an absolute necessity for the U.S. to own and control Greenland. He had previously expressed interest in buying the island from Denmark in 2019 but was turned down. In the coming year, Trump was also indicated to Trump that the island is not for sale and will not be sold, but Denmark can cooperate more with the US.