UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made waves this week by declaring tariffs "the wrong approach" for pressuring allies during high-stakes Arctic security discussions. In phone talks with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Canadian PM Mark Carney on January 19, 2026, the leaders tackled Greenland's future and regional stability head-on.
Greenland’s Future Takes Center Stage
Starmer doubled down on self-determination, stating: "Greenland’s future lies entirely with its people and the Kingdom of Denmark." The talks come as melting ice opens new shipping routes – and geopolitical tensions – in the resource-rich Arctic region.
NATO’s Arctic Playbook
The UK leader pushed for NATO-centered cooperation, emphasizing that "strengthening Arctic security benefits us all." But his sharpest critique targeted economic tactics: "Slapping tariffs on allies won’t achieve our collective security goals." 💼⚡
This stance puts Starmer at odds with some G7 partners as 2026 shapes up to be a pivotal year for climate-driven geopolitics. With Arctic ice retreating faster than ever, the world’s eyes – and trade routes – are turning north.
