Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly considering sending British forces to Greenland amid rising tensions over Donald Trump’s repeated comments about the strategically important Danish territory.
This comes after Sir Keir pledged to send troops to Ukraine as part of a coalition to secure peace, prompting some former senior military officials to question whether the UK has enough personnel to manage both commitments.
President Trump has made clear that he wants Greenland under US control and has not ruled out military action to seize the semi-autonomous Danish territory. He said: “If we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way.”
Former UK ambassador to the US, Lord Peter Mandelson, expressed confidence that Mr Trump would not use military force against a Nato ally. “President Trump is not going to land on Greenland, take Greenland by force,” he told the BBC. “He’s not a fool. What’s going to happen is there’s going to be a lot of discussion, a lot of consultation, a lot of negotiation and at the end of the day, we are all going to have to wake up to the reality that the Arctic needs securing against China and Russia.
“And if you ask me who is going to lead in that effort to secure, we all know, don’t we, that it’s going to be the United States.”
The dispute also appeared to put a limelight on Sir Keir and Mr Trump’s possible relationship.
What is the relationship between Donald Trump and Keir Starmer?
The relationship between Sir Keir and Mr Trump is complex for two leaders with very different political styles and priorities.
While they maintain diplomatic contact and share interests on some global issues, sharp disagreements over international norms and strategic priorities have also emerged.
The two men have already met several times since Trump returned to the White House last year.
In an interview with the BBC in January 2025, Mr Trump praised the prime minister’s leadership, saying he was a “very good guy”.
He added: “I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him.”
Following his conversation with Mr Trump, Sir Keir posted on X, saying, “I spoke with @POTUS today and congratulated him on his inauguration.
A few days prior to Mr Trump’s inauguration, Sir Keir told the Financial Times that Mr Trump “came to New York to have dinner with me and I was very grateful for that”.
“Our ambition is to have a deal of some sorts with the US, a trade deal. That’s where our focus is,” adding that the “US is our closest ally”.
Over a phone conversation around the same time Sir Keir also praised the president for his “role in securing the landmark ceasefire and hostages deal in Gaza”.
Hours before their discussion, Mr Trump had applauded Sir Keir for his “very good job thus far” and shared that the pair had a “very good relationship”.
Their diplomatic engagement has been shaped further by co-operation on issues such as Ukraine and broader security.
Sir Keir has travelled to Washington to discuss support for Ukraine’s defence and trade relations, taking part in talks on international security frameworks while insisting that Mr Trump and Europe “want the same thing.”
Yet, despite this collaboration, underlying policy differences continue to influence their interactions.
Greenland: A major point of contention
While their relationship at the start of Mr Trump’s second term began on a positive note, one of the most significant recent disagreements between the two leaders centres on Greenland.
Mr Trump has publicly suggested that the United States should seek control over the strategically positioned Arctic island, arguing it is vital for US national security, assertions that have alarmed Nato allies.
Sir Keir has firmly rejected these claims, stating that “Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark must decide the future of Greenland, and only Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.”
His stance puts him in alignment with European allies who view Greenland’s sovereignty as non‑negotiable and a matter for its people and Denmark alone.
Venezuela and international law
Relations have also been tested by the US intervention in Venezuela.
Mr Trump’s administration conducted military operations in Caracas and detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a move that raised questions over international law and sovereign integrity.
Sir Keir has stopped short of calling it a violation of international law, instead saying more information is needed and emphasising the need to “establish the facts” before outright condemnation.
This cautious approach reflects Sir Keir’s attempt to balance alliance obligations with concerns about legality and international norms, even when US actions provoke international criticism.