He stated that the threat to annex territory combined with the use of tariffs to pressure allies represents an unacceptable abuse of power. He said that it should have been met with a far stronger challenge than the Prime Minister gave in his response. He also argued that the future of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland alone and that their right to self determination must be upheld.

Ap Iorwerth added that the United States is acting in an increasingly chaotic and unpredictable manner and argued that the United Kingdom must rebuild a strategic alignment with Europe based on shared values, international law and mutual respect.

Welsh Liberal Democrats Target Trump Tariff and Starmer’s Caution

The Welsh Liberal Democrats issued similar warnings but focused their criticism directly on Downing Street. Responding to Trumps announcement of a ten percent tariff on United Kingdom goods from February, party leader Jane Dodds argued that Wales would be among the territories most exposed to trade disruption. She highlighted sectors including steel, advanced manufacturing, food and drink, and life sciences as areas reliant on export markets and vulnerable to rising trade barriers.

Dodds claimed that the Greenland dispute is not simply a trade issue but an attempt to ransom the sovereignty of a democratic NATO ally. She warned that Starmer’s reluctance to coordinate a united European counter strategy risks emboldening Trump.

She argued that Donald Trump is attempting to bully the United Kingdom and ransom the sovereignty of Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. She said that this constitutes economic coercion and must not be met with appeasement.

Dodds called for the United Kingdom to work closely with European partners to prepare a coordinated package of countermeasures and retaliatory tariffs in order to demonstrate collective resilience. She argued that Britain is strongest when standing with Europe rather than acting as a doormat for a bully.

She pointed to Canadas previous willingness to deploy targeted countermeasures against Trump era tariffs as evidence that strong and united democratic action can deter escalation.

Starmer Faces Emerging Critique Over Foreign Policy Approach

Although the UK Government has expressed concern over Trumps proposals, Starmer’s measured diplomatic tone has frustrated figures across the Welsh political spectrum who argue that the United Kingdom is unwilling to confront Trump directly at a moment of geopolitical test.

Both Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Liberal Democrats have urged the Prime Minister to hold coordinated talks with European Union partners regarding potential retaliation and diplomatic action. Downing Street has not publicly committed to such a course.

The dispute has also reignited debate over the United Kingdoms post Brexit foreign policy positioning. Both Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Liberal Democrats argue that deeper European alignment rather than weaker ties is now vital for protecting the United Kingdom against unpredictable United States policy shifts.

For now, the Greenland crisis remains a developing scenario, yet analysts warn it could set a precedent for the strategic use of trade leverage in territorial negotiations. For Denmark, Greenland’s autonomy is not up for discussion. For Europe, Trumps threats may become an unexpected catalyst for renewed alignment and strategic unity.

The question facing the United Kingdom is whether it responds from a position of integrated European strength or attempts to navigate the Atlantic relationship alone. Critics of the Prime Minister argue that the stakes are too high for caution and that democratic allies must demonstrate resolve rather than equivocation.