Greenland: Proposed US Tariffs

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Monday 19th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

As I think we examined at length through the progress of the Bill, the right to self-determination is not something that you can claim for yourself; it is something that can be legally determined. When this question was tested before every court which has considered it so far, including here in the UK—we can all have our own personal feelings and emotions and reaction to this, as I know I do—the legal situation was found to be that Chagossians do not have the right of self-determination as regards to the Chagos Archipelago. Greenlanders have the right to self-determination and we respect that right. What happens to Greenland is a question for it and for the Kingdom of Denmark.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, I will resist the temptation to pursue that last question, the Minister will be relieved to know.

The Prime Minister is right to tell President Trump on this occasion that he is wrong. Imposing tariffs for pursuing the collective security of NATO and supporting the absolute right of self-determination for the people of Greenland is madness. It is the case that many Members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, also think that Trump is wrong on this. Will the Minister tell the House what steps we are taking to utilise our considerable diplomatic presence in Washington to build on that support in helping to persuade Trump to back down?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

We talk with relevant partners as appropriate, but the main conversations that have happened between the United Kingdom and the United States have taken place between our Prime Minister and President Trump—most recently yesterday, and there may have been more contact since then that I am not aware of. That is the right level at which to address such a serious situation.