Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly evaluating the possibility of deploying British troops to Greenland, a move triggered by recent rhetoric from former US President Donald Trump about gaining control of the Danish territory.
Strategic Concerns in the High North
The potential deployment is said to be part of broader NATO discussions about securing the strategically vital High North against the influence of Russia and China. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described these talks as part of the alliance's "business as usual" strategic planning.
This development follows closely on the heels of the Prime Minister's pledge to send troops to Ukraine, a dual commitment that has sparked significant concern among former senior military officials. They warn that the UK's armed forces are already stretched too thin to manage multiple major deployments effectively.
Warnings of Military Overstretch and NATO Tensions
Reports from retired top military brass have laid bare the scale of the challenge. Key issues highlighted include:
- A critically low number of operational howitzers.
- Severe availability problems with Royal Navy submarines.
- Chronic shortages of pilots within the Royal Air Force.
Simultaneously, political tensions within the Western alliance are rising. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has publicly raised fears that NATO could collapse, pointing to internal strains. Lord Peter Mandelson, a former UK ambassador to the United States, offered a different perspective. While he dismissed the likelihood of Mr Trump actually using military force to seize Greenland, he criticised the Prime Minister for failing to commit to a necessary increase in UK defence spending.
A Delicate Diplomatic and Defence Balancing Act
The situation presents the Starmer government with a complex dilemma. On one hand, there is a perceived need to demonstrate unwavering commitment to NATO allies and deterrence in the face of external threats. On the other, the government must contend with the stark reality of a military capacity that experts describe as overstretched.
The date of these considerations is Monday 12 January 2026, marking a significant moment in the new government's early defence and foreign policy challenges. The outcome of this evaluation will have profound implications for the UK's global standing, its relationship with key allies like Denmark and the US, and the practical readiness of its armed forces.
