Donald Trump tariff risk over Greenland ‘fallacious’

The primary minister has criticised President Trump’s risk to impose tariffs on its allies until they assist his proposed takeover of Greenland.

John Swinney mentioned extra duties shouldn’t be used as a “bargaining chip” in discussions between commerce companions.

The UK and 7 different European international locations have condemned the US president’s warning of a ten% levy on imports into the US, rising to 25% from the summer season, if no deal is finished for the autonomous Danish territory.

A joint assertion from the eight international locations, launched on Sunday, warned: “Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and danger a harmful downward spiral.”

Writing on X earlier, Swinney mentioned the proposed tariffs have been “the fallacious factor to do”.

The SNP chief added: “Greenland’s future needs to be determined by the folks of Greenland.

“Tariffs shouldn’t be a bargaining chip instead of cheap dialogue between companions.”

The White Home has in latest weeks intensified requires a US takeover of the autonomous Danish territory, which President Trump says is crucial for US safety. He has not dominated out taking it by drive.

On Saturday the US president introduced tariffs on fellow Nato members Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland would come into drive on 1 February until an settlement was reached.

Extra taxes and fees might harm main Scottish exports of merchandise like whisky and salmon.

Each already appeal to US import taxes – generally known as tariffs – of 10%.

Final September Swinney mentioned there was a “actual probability” {that a} particular commerce deal for Scotch whisky might be agreed with President Donald Trump following talks within the White Home.

The Scottish authorities is looking for a discount or elimination of tariffs on Scotch getting into the US – which the whisky trade says prices companies £4m per week.

And the UK authorities is pursuing whisky tariff reductions as a part of wider commerce negotiations with the US however a deal has but to be finalised.

The brand new Scottish chief of Reform UK, Malcolm Offord, described the tariff risk as “not good” and mentioned Trump’s techniques have been “not a traditional fashion of negotiation”.

He informed BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Present: “We’re an ideal buddy and ally of the US and vice versa and we assist the US on most issues, however on this one, now we have to say, Denmark is a sovereign nation.

“Denmark and Greenland’s preparations have gotten to be finished diplomatically.

“He [Trump] is a businessman and he needs to get issues finished in a distinct kind of manner. My enchantment to the prime minister is simply to make use of all of the diplomacy that we have.”

The Conservatives’ shadow Scottish secretary, Andrew Bowie, mentioned the tariffs would have an “opposed impression” on whisky exports and urged President Trump to “assume once more”.

He informed the programme: “Tariffs usually are not good for anyone. Commerce makes everyone more healthy, breaks down obstacles and prevents wars.

“Denmark is a Nato ally and the scenario with Greenland is for the folks of Greenland and Denmark.

“The US is one in all our strongest and oldest allies and can stay so, however now we have a elementary disagreement over the choice that Donald Trump has taken.”

And Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer mentioned Europe wanted to be “completely strong” in response to Trump’s actions.

He informed The Sunday Present: “We’re in a scenario the place Donald Trump is threatening to invade and steal a nation.

“He’s issuing navy threats each day towards his ally and our ally, Denmark.

“Trump solely recognises and solely respects energy, those that have tried to suck as much as him and tried the attraction offensive have failed time and time once more.

“Europe as an entire has been very weak on the subject of standing as much as Trump blatantly breaking worldwide legislation. It’s time we draw a line within the sand right here.”

The European Union is because of host an emergency assembly on the scenario at in Brussels at 17:00 (16:00 GMT) on Sunday involving ambassadors from all 27 EU international locations.

Forward of the talks Starmer mentioned: “Making use of tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective safety of Nato allies is totally fallacious.

“We are going to in fact be pursuing this instantly with the US administration.”

In the meantime, Reform UK chief Nigel Farage, an ally of the president, additionally referred to as for the tariffs to be averted, posting on X: “We do not all the time agree with the US authorities and on this case we actually do not. These tariffs will harm us.”

1000’s of individuals took half in protests in Denmark and Greenland in response to the proposed takeover on Saturday.

Greenland’s prime minister joined protesters within the capital, Nuuk, holding indicators studying “Greenland just isn’t on the market” exterior the US consulate.

Within the Danish capital, Copenhagen, protesters held placards stating: “Arms Off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders”.

In line with an opinion ballot, 85% of Greenlanders oppose the territory becoming a member of the US.