UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed mounting tensions with the United States over President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland, emphasizing the need to balance alliance commitments with the defense of national and European values. Speaking to reporters, Starmer acknowledged that the U.S. remains a close partner on many strategic and security issues but stressed that sovereignty and principle must be respected.

“The U.S. remains a close ally on many topics. We work very closely with them,” Starmer said. “But we must stand up for our values. I will speak to President Trump again. We must find a pragmatic solution to this.”

The comments come amid escalating U.S. pressure on Denmark and other European nations over Greenland, a territory of strategic Arctic significance. Trump’s interest in Greenland dates back to 2019, when he publicly proposed purchasing the territory for its resources and strategic positioning. In 2026, the administration has intensified efforts, linking the bid to perceived slights such as Norway’s Nobel Peace Prize award and threatening trade repercussions against nations that resist compliance.

European leaders, including Starmer, have united in opposition, viewing the U.S. strategy as a test of transatlantic trust and cooperation. Starmer’s remarks underscore the UK’s commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship with Washington while asserting that economic coercion and unilateral pressure cannot replace dialogue and mutual respect.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of pragmatic solutions and ongoing diplomatic engagement to resolve the dispute, reflecting both the high stakes of Arctic security and the broader need to preserve stable transatlantic alliances amid rising geopolitical tensions.