UK statement on Greenland, tariff threats and Arctic security

The UK Foreign Secretary made a statement to the House on Greenland and wider Arctic security.

• Main announcement/action: The Foreign Secretary condemned the US announcement of intent to impose 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK, affirmed that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes alone, and urged resolution through diplomacy and transatlantic cooperation (NATO) rather than economic pressure. Specific actions: the Prime Minister spoke directly with President Trump and allied leaders; the Foreign Secretary welcomed Danish FM Lars Rasmussen in London; the Europe Minister has contacted the Greenland Foreign Minister; the Defence Secretary will visit Denmark on Wednesday.
• Background and implementation details: The statement notes UK operational and defence commitments in the Arctic: one UK officer joined a Danish planning group visit in an observational capacity; the UK is doubling Royal Marines in Northern Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 over three years; the Lunna House Defence Agreement will see the UK and Norway jointly operate a new fleet of Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates; the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force deployed thousands of troops including over 1,700 British personnel in the Autumn; the UK plans to contribute to exercises in the North Atlantic and High North throughout 2026.