Sir Keir Starmer urges Donald Trump to respect Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland while staying cautious on Venezuela after Maduro raid

Sir Keir Starmer urges Donald Trump to respect Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland while staying cautious on Venezuela after Maduro raid

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made it clear today that the UK supports Denmark after US President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions about seizing Greenland.

Speaking publicly, he stressed that the future of Greenland is a decision for the Greenlanders and the Kingdom of Denmark alone.

“Greenland and Denmark decide the future of Greenland, and that’s it,” Sir Keir said.

“Denmark is a close European ally and a Nato partner, and it’s very important we respect that.”

The Venezuela Raid Sparks Caution in London

While he was firm on Greenland, Sir Keir was far more circumspect about the US operation in Venezuela.

Special forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in an operation that reportedly killed around 40 people, including much of Maduro’s security team. There were no American casualties.

Asked whether he believed the US had broken international law, Sir Keir refused to answer directly

. Instead, he emphasized the importance of international rules and said the US would need to “set out its justifications.”

“The situation in Venezuela is complicated,” he said.

“What matters most is stability and ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy.”

Labour MPs Push for a Clear Condemnation

Some Labour MPs are pressing the Prime Minister to be more outspoken.

Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons foreign affairs select committee, called the raid a potential breach of international law.

She argued that no country should decide for itself whether its actions are legal, and she urged the UK to join allies like France and Germany in condemning the US move.

“She may be a dictatorial leader, but that doesn’t give a legal free pass to another country to abduct her,” Dame Emily said.

“We need to make clear that international norms can’t just be ignored.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper Echoes the Message

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced the government’s position in the House of Commons.

She told MPs that Greenland’s future belongs solely to Denmark and Greenland itself, and she described the country as a “long-standing Nato ally and close European partner.”

On Venezuela, Cooper stressed the UK’s desire for a peaceful democratic transition.

She highlighted the Maduro regime’s ties to organised crime and foreign interference from Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah.

Cooper said she had discussed the matter with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing compliance with international law.

A Delicate Balance Between Diplomacy and Criticism

Home Office minister Mike Tapp also weighed in but avoided giving a full denunciation of Trump’s Greenland ambitions.

He described the Greenland and Venezuela situations as “obviously different” and said it was up to Denmark and the US to discuss Greenland.

He stressed the importance of Nato unity and sticking to international laws.

“Diplomacy is delicate,” Tapp said. “We’re not here to give a running commentary, but it’s the outcomes that matter, and working with our allies is key.”

Labour Voices Frustration Over US Actions

Some Labour MPs went further in questioning the UK’s stance.

Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside, asked whether Britain still stands for international law and sovereignty, while Leeds East MP Richard Burgon called the Prime Minister’s cautious approach “shameful and reckless.”

Sir Keir himself said he wanted to wait for the facts and discussions with the US before passing judgment, while stressing the UK’s long-term focus on democratic principles and stability in the region.

What Comes Next

With Greenland tensions simmering and Venezuela in turmoil, the UK faces the challenge of balancing firm alliances with the need to uphold international law.

Sir Keir’s careful approach reflects both the complexity of modern diplomacy and the pressure from MPs demanding stronger statements on the global stage.

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