Thank you to everyone who contacted me to express their concerns about Donald Trump’s actions around the world.
I welcome the Prime Minister’s strong words about US threats against Greenland, when he said the UK would not yield to bullying by President Trump. I am pleased that, thanks to the UK’s strong stance, and impressive diplomacy, President Trump has dropped his threat of tariffs against the UK and has said he will not use force to try and take control of Greenland. I strongly support the UK’s position that Greenland’s sovereignty is a matter for the people of Greenland and the Danish Government.
I don’t think many people will miss Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, but I am glad the Prime Minister has been clear that the UK did not provide assistance to President Trump’s action against Venezuela and has reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to upholding international law. I know this is an issue the Foreign Secretary will have raised with the US administration.
I share people’s concerns about Donald Trump, and I’m sure you won’t be surprised to learn that I am opposed to many of his policies and the impact they will have on the American people and others around the world. Given this challenging new picture the UK needs to reassert the UK’s support for NATO, stand up for Ukraine, and forge a closer relationship with the European Union, all things I am pleased to see the government pushing ahead with.
The Prime Minister has an immensely difficult task in engaging with President Trump, with whom Britain has considerable disagreements on a number of issues, but I believe it is important that the UK continues to stand up for our values by engaging with the US, even during difficult times.
It has therefore been reassuring to see Keir Starmer show such calm and decisive leadership over the past month, standing up for our national interest on the world stage and leading the European response to this enormous new challenge. Despite our vast differences with this US President, I believe it remains important that we work hard to engage with President Trump without ever compromising on Britain’s national interest or our commitment to the people of Ukraine. It is significant that other European leaders are now looking to the Prime Minister for leadership in managing our transatlantic relationship. So please rest assured that I will always champion a Britain that stands up for our values and leads on the world stage.