Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has delivered a firm public warning to US President Donald Trump, declaring that the future of Greenland is a matter solely for its inhabitants and the Kingdom of Denmark.
Commons Statement Draws a Line
The warning was issued in the House of Commons on Monday evening, 5 January 2026, as international concern mounted over potential American ambitions towards the vast Arctic island. Cooper's statement came directly in response to growing alarm that President Trump could seek to annex Greenland, a move that would shatter diplomatic norms.
"Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark," Cooper told MPs. "Our close European partners, our long-standing Nato allies and all our countries work closely together on security issues, and will always do so. The future of Greenland is a matter for the Greenlanders and Danes, and no-one else."
Cross-Party Support and NATO Fears
Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the Foreign Secretary's stance, affirming the UK's solidarity with Denmark. He stressed that Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was correct to refuse any US claim to the territory. "Well, I stand with her, and she's right about the future of Greenland," Starmer stated, adding that only Greenland and Denmark could decide its fate.
The potential repercussions of such an annexation were laid bare by former Conservative Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. In an interview with LBC, Hunt warned that annexing Greenland could spell the end of the NATO alliance. He described it as "crossing an enormous red line" that Europe would find impossible to accept.
"I think that it really could spell the end of NATO," Hunt said. "And I think that would be absolutely disastrous." He expressed concern that a perceived weak reaction from European leaders to Trump's previous actions might be encouraging him to believe he could "get away with" seizing Greenland.
Broader Context: Venezuela and International Law
The renewed focus on Greenland follows a major US military operation in Venezuela over the weekend, which saw President Nicolás Maduro abducted. Prime Minister Starmer, while describing Maduro as "illegitimate," insisted Venezuela must see a "peaceful transition to democracy" as swiftly as possible.
When pressed on whether the US action breached international law, Starmer declined to comment. However, Foreign Secretary Cooper confirmed she had raised the issue of international law, stating it was for the US to set out its own legal justification.
Downing Street also addressed the safety of British nationals in Venezuela, confirming it was a "top priority". British citizens have been advised to shelter in place, keep travel documents accessible, and identify a personal emergency destination not reliant on UK government support.
