Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on January 22, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleUK's Starmer applauds Trump's decision to drop Greenland tariff threat, highlighting the importance of UK-Denmark relations and pragmatic diplomacy.
LONDON, Jan 22 - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told his Danish counterpart on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision not to pursue tariffs on European countries who opposed his plans to take control of Greenland was a pragmatic and common sense step.
Trump abruptly stepped back on Wednesday from threats to impose tariffs as leverage to seize Greenland, ruled out the use of force and suggested a deal was in sight to end a dispute over the Danish territory.
"In terms of recent developments and the withdrawal of the threat of tariffs, I see that as a reflection of pragmatism, common sense and sticking to our values and our principles," Starmer told Mette Frederiksen.
Frederiksen said Britain was one of Denmark's oldest and most important allies and partners and thanked Starmer for his support.
"I like the British way of doing things... You have a cup of tea and then you think a bit about everything, you get the facts on the table, and then you find a way forward, and that's exactly what we're doing now," she told Starmer at the start of their meeting at Chequers, the British prime minister's country residence.
"I think we've got to get by with a little help from our friends."
(Reporting by Muvija M, writing by Sam Tabahriti; editing by William James)
The main topic is Trump's decision to withdraw the threat of tariffs on Greenland and the positive response from UK's Keir Starmer.
The decision is significant as it reflects pragmatic diplomacy and strengthens UK-Denmark relations.
Denmark, through Prime Minister Frederiksen, expressed gratitude towards the UK for its support and emphasized the importance of their alliance.
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