Britain is in discussions with NATO allies to enhance Arctic security, a move aimed at countering growing threats from Russia and China. This initiative is described by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander as standard procedure, not a direct reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent proposals to acquire Greenland. Trump expressed his desire to purchase Greenland, a self-governing part of Denmark and a NATO member, to preempt potential takeovers by Russia or China. He asserted his intention to proceed with a deal regarding Greenland, regardless of local sentiment.
The U.K. shares Trump's concerns about the increasing assertiveness of Russia and China in the Arctic region. Alexander emphasized the importance of collaborating with NATO allies to establish a robust deterrent against Russian influence, drawing parallels to the situation in Ukraine. While acknowledging Trump's stated goal of securing Greenland, some political figures, like former British ambassador Peter Mandelson, believe Trump would not resort to force. Mandelson suggested that the United States would likely lead the effort to secure the Arctic against Russia and China.
In response to the escalating tensions, the leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, Ed Davey, proposed that Britain offer to deploy troops to Greenland for a joint operation with Denmark. Davey criticized Trump's threats to acquire Greenland, arguing they could destabilize the NATO alliance and benefit Russia. The article notes that the potential response from other NATO members to a forceful U.S. acquisition of Greenland remains uncertain.