A senior Government minister has provoked astonishment by refusing to explicitly call on former US President Donald Trump not to invade Greenland, following alarming remarks from the unpredictable leader.
'Extraordinary' refusal to condemn US action
Mike Tapp, a Government minister, was told his stance was "extraordinary" during a tense interview on Sky News. Host Sophy Ridge repeatedly pressed him to state the UK's opposition to any potential US military strike on the Danish territory, but he declined to do so.
The exchange comes amid escalating international concern after Trump stated over the weekend that the United States "needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security." He claimed the strategic island was "covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place."
These comments follow a recent US-led assault on Venezuela, which saw commandos capture president Nicolás Maduro, raising fears that similar action could be contemplated against Greenland.
Diplomatic tensions and NATO's role
When directly asked if the UK would condemn a US move on Greenland, Mr Tapp emphasised back-channel diplomacy. "Allies do matter, which is why these careful diplomatic conversations behind the scenes are ongoing with the United States and with our European allies and Five Eyes partners," he stated, adding, "We're not going to give a running commentary."
He pointed to the fact that both the US and Denmark are NATO members, suggesting the alliance would handle any disputes. "I'm really proud that NATO has used discussion over division... I can't see this being any different," he told the programme.
His responses left the host incredulous. "I find it extraordinary that you can't just say flat out that Donald Trump needs to not intervene on Greenland. I find that extraordinary," Sophy Ridge said.
Denmark's firm stance and UK's focus on Venezuela
Denmark has already issued a robust rejection of Trump's claims. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated unequivocally that Trump has "no right to annex" Greenland, the world's largest island. She urged the US to "stop threatening a historically close ally" and reminded Washington that Denmark already provides broad access through existing security pacts.
Pressed again on the UK's position, Mr Tapp avoided the hypothetical, saying, "It's the end results that matter, and working together with our allies and sticking to international laws is what we stand for as a country."
The minister was more forthright on the separate issue of Venezuela, distancing the UK government from the deposed leader. "He was a dictator who tortured prisoners, used sexual violence, intimidated dissidents," Mr Tapp said of Maduro. "The British government shed no tears whatsoever that this man is no longer in charge." He added that it was for the US to "lay out the legality" for its actions in Venezuela.
The unfolding situation places significant diplomatic pressure on Western allies, testing the cohesion of NATO and international law in the face of unilateral statements from a former US President.
