The diplomatic "Special Relationship" between London and Washington has hit a freezing point. Today, Sir Ed Davey, leader of the UK Liberal Democrats, made waves in Parliament by labeling U.S. President Donald Trump an "international gangster" and a "bully" following the President’s latest ultimatum regarding the acquisition of Greenland.
The rhetoric in the House of Commons follows an extraordinary weekend where President Trump threatened to impose a 10% tariff on all goods from the UK and seven other European allies starting February 1, rising to 25% by June if a deal to purchase the autonomous Danish territory is not reached.
The "Gangster" Accusation
Addressing Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Ed Davey did not mince words, describing the President’s tactics as a form of global extortion.
"President Trump is acting like an international gangster," Davey told the House. "He is threatening to trample over the sovereignty of an ally, threatening the end of NATO altogether, and now threatening to hit our country... with outrageous, damaging tariffs unless he gets his hands on Greenland."
Davey also criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his perceived "fawning" approach toward the White House, arguing that "pragmatism" has only emboldened what he termed an abusive diplomatic relationship.
Starmer’s "Completely Wrong" Response
While the Liberal Democrat leader used the most colorful language, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also sharpened his tone. After a tense Sunday night phone call with President Trump, Starmer issued a formal statement labeling the tariff threats "completely wrong."
Downing Street officials confirmed that the Prime Minister rejected the notion that the UK’s involvement in recent Arctic security exercises justified economic retaliation. "Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO is not the right way to resolve differences," Starmer noted during a Monday press conference, insisting that the future of Greenland belongs solely to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.
The Greenland Crisis: A New Trade War?
The standoff was triggered by Operation Arctic Endurance, a symbolic deployment of European troops—including a small number from the UK to Greenland to reassure Denmark of its sovereignty. President Trump viewed the move as an act of "stupidity" and "purposes unknown," prompting his Truth Social announcement of the "Greenland Tariffs."
The Tariff Timeline:
- Feb 1, 2026: 10% import tax on goods from the UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland.
- June 1, 2026: Tariffs rise to 25% if no "deal" is struck.
A Rupture in the West
The crisis has united UK political parties in rare agreement. Even Nigel Farage, typically an ally of the President, admitted the tariffs would "hurt" the UK and stated that Reform UK does not agree with the U.S. administration on this front. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the tariffs a "burden for businesses" that must be resisted.
As European leaders gather in Davos and prepare for an emergency EU summit on Thursday, the question remains: will the UK join a coordinated European retaliation, or will Starmer continue his "bridge-building" strategy? For now, the sentiment in London is clear the era of "walking on eggshells" around Washington may finally be coming to an end.
