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Arctic Security 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
TaxationForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 49
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper raised concerns about arctic security 2026-01-19 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
TaxationForeign Affairs
Government Statement
Today I am expressing my condolences to all affected by the tragic train crash near Cordoba. With permission, I will make a statement on Greenland and wider Arctic security in response to President Trump's announcement of imposing tariffs on goods from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK over the future of Greenland. The UK’s response is based on three key principles: Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, with its future determined by Greenlanders and Danes; the use or threat of tariffs against allies is wrong and counterproductive; Arctic security is a shared concern for transatlantic partners and should be addressed through cooperation within NATO. The UK condemns the tariff threat, as it undermines alliances and could harm workers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump about this issue, and I met with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen in London to discuss urgent diplomatic measures. We are committed to strengthening multilateral cooperation around Arctic security, recognising its strategic significance for NATO allies and national security. Last week, I travelled to Finland and Norway to discuss current threats, including Russian military activities in the region. The UK will continue to enhance our military presence and joint operations with Nordic partners to protect critical infrastructure and deter Russian aggression.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
The Conservative party condemns the US Administration’s decision to impose tariffs on the UK over Greenland, which is a wrong move that will harm both nations. Denmark's sovereignty must be respected, and the future of Greenland should be decided by its people and Denmark alone. The security challenges in the Arctic, particularly from Russia, must be tackled through collective NATO action.
Minister reply
We are committed to strengthening multilateral cooperation around Arctic security, recognising its strategic significance for NATO allies and national security. Last week, I travelled to Finland and Norway to discuss current threats, including Russian military activities in the region. The UK will continue to enhance our military presence and joint operations with Nordic partners to protect critical infrastructure and deter Russian aggression.
Ed Davey
Liberal Democrats
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
How do we stop Trump’s damaging trade war? The Prime Minister's appeasement policy towards Trump has failed. It is time for a change in course to finally be clear-eyed about the sort of man Trump is and treat him accordingly.
Minister reply
This is a serious moment where parties need to come together on how we respond to the situation. We are working closely with our allies and creating a constructive approach to Arctic security, focusing on transatlantic cooperation that respects principles of sovereignty and collective security.
Slough
Question
Will we just kick the can down the road with small gradual increases in defence investment or will we chart a path to spending 3% of GDP on defence? Can you provide an update on our current and future planned participation in Arctic security?
Minister reply
The UK’s strongest contribution to Arctic security is around the north of Norway, involving commandos and joint frigates. We see this as part of a broader approach to collective Arctic security and have put forward significant increases in defence spending.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
Is the Foreign Secretary being mealy-mouthed about President Trump’s views on Greenland? Could US military assets based here be used against our will for an invasion of Greenland?
Minister reply
Firstly, the situation is not as simple as President Trump sees it. We are clear about the importance of both sovereignty and collective security principles, which underpin NATO alliances. Regarding tariffs, we have shown determination and robust approach in previous negotiations.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Question
Given President Trump’s volatility, will the Government ensure that our sovereignty is not dependent on US capability? Specifically, will technology procurement reflect this?
Minister reply
We are reassured by our strong relationship with Denmark and the Danish Foreign Minister's commitment to sovereignty. We are also focusing on strategic partnerships in Arctic security through NATO initiatives like an Arctic sentry approach.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
On what basis do this Government view President Trump as being a trustworthy and reliable ally?
Minister reply
We have made it clear that threats to Greenland’s sovereignty are wrong, and tariffs against allies defending their sovereignty are also wrong. We take a robust approach to protect UK security while upholding our values.
Alan Gemmell
Lab
Central Ayrshire
Question
How will the Foreign Secretary explain our interests and actions to the US Administration, stop sanctions and resolve the situation? Also, might she take an interest in the Franco-British fast jet replacement programme?
Minister reply
We are clear about working in UK’s national interests. We engage with the US to protect UK businesses and prosperity while defending shared values like sovereignty. Regarding the fast jet replacement programme, it is important for our defence.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
Should the state visit go ahead this year? Should football teams play in American stadia for the world cup?
Minister reply
The approach taken by the Prime Minister has led to substantial changes in US proposals. We engage with different issues to protect UK interests and prosperity, not just through traditional channels.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree it is vital that we get to the bottom of the role that Russian money plays in trying to subvert our public discourse?
Minister reply
The hybrid threats from Russia are serious, including sabotage and foreign interference. We have increased UK sanctions to address these issues.
West Dorset
Question
Should the UK be strengthening military and economic bonds with European allies that share values?
Minister reply
We continue to strengthen our transatlantic security relationship but also direct defence co-operation with Europe. The EU reset includes stronger defence cooperation with our European allies.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Is it now time to stand up to Trump and forge a new independent foreign policy based on international law, peace and co-operation?
Minister reply
I caution against equivalence in different areas. The threat from Russia is the most serious one we face.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Can she point out to Danish interlocutors that small countries like Denmark have historically spent little on defence and admonish them?
Minister reply
Denmark has shown dedication to collective security, supporting the UK and US in conflicts, including Afghanistan. We support Denmark's stance.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
What discussions have there been on strengthening our defence industries?
Minister reply
We are jointly building new frigates with Norway as part of a major investment programme to strengthen maritime security.
Bath
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary recognise the strong feelings of constituents ready to stand up to Trump?
Minister reply
Across the country, there are strong feelings about tariff threats. We have been clear that tariffs are counterproductive and wrong.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Maldon
Question
The Minister will also know that the President spoke about wanting Greenland in his previous term. Can she assure me that, alongside NATO-level discussions, we are engaging fully with our JEF partners?
Minister reply
Yes, my right hon. Friend is correct. We have been engaged heavily with joint expeditionary force partners through meetings last week and further discussions planned this week.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Greenland is being offered two options: to be sold or to be annexed. The Government of Greenland have made clear that they will work with the US in any way necessary to protect our security and that of Europe, but I am no clearer about what the Government are doing to keep us safe from tariffs and to protect Greenland's sovereignty.
Minister reply
We take these discussions very seriously. We have engaged in diplomatic activities and support the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark. Protests on the streets of Greenland reflect strong views about their independence.
Sonia Kumar
Lab
Dudley
Question
Section 21 in chapter 8 of the Greenland Self-Government Act states that decisions regarding Greenland’s independence should be taken by its people. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking with our European allies to ensure this Act is respected?
Minister reply
We are working closely with Denmark and have been communicating with Greenland’s Foreign Minister, supporting their sovereignty.
Newton Abbot
Question
I agree that we should work with our allies but I fear Donald Trump does not. What measures are being taken to harden our infrastructure given dependencies on American IT systems like Palantir?
Minister reply
We take critical national infrastructure extremely seriously and have long-standing technology partnerships, including security and intelligence Five Eyes cooperation.
Alex Sobel
Lab/Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
I associate myself with the Foreign Secretary’s statement that the future of Greenland is a matter for the people of Greenland and Denmark. The geo-security issues in the High North are due to Russia's threat to NATO. What discussions did she have about ending Russian presence on NATO territory in Svalbard?
Minister reply
The partnership between UK and Norway is crucial for our security, particularly regarding threats from Russia.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary acknowledge that this crisis is a consequence of decades of failure on defence investment in Europe and the UK? Would she commit to leading with a proper joint expeditionary force?
Minister reply
The biggest threat to Arctic security comes from Russia. Mutual respect within NATO is crucial.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
I welcome the Prime Minister’s response and the Foreign Secretary's assurances that Donald Trump’s claims are nonsense as the US already has access to Greenland. What approach will we take on critical minerals, given China's influence?
Minister reply
We need a multilateral approach to ensure security around our critical mineral supply chains, particularly in relation to green technologies and economic prosperity.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
All relationships must have a foundation of respect and mutual consent. What is the view in NATO on economic measures being used to force annexation of sovereign territory?
Minister reply
NATO allies need to respect each other’s sovereignty, which strengthens our collective security.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary understand that Northern Ireland Members are bemused by discussions about tariffs when it was this House that diminished Northern Ireland’s sovereignty? Does she know what the US Speaker's view is on President Trump’s aspirations for Greenland?
Minister reply
We should have shared security and prosperity goals, which include respecting sovereignty and strengthening co-operation.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Question
As possibly the only MP with American grandchildren, may I ask whether the Foreign Secretary agrees that whatever disagreements there are between this Government and the US Administration about Greenland, the bonds of friendship and kinship remain historic, vital and enduring?
Minister reply
The bonds of friendship and kinship between Britain and America are indeed historic, vital and enduring.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
In pushing back against the tariffs, will the Foreign Secretary and others make it clear to the US that it is not just the potential imposition of these tariffs, but the bandying about of the threat of tariffs, that is so disruptive and difficult for major British businesses that export to the US?
Minister reply
The hon. Member is right to say that there are many different perspectives across the US system, both in the Administration and in Congress. We have always had very close engagement with all aspects of the US system, including Congress.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
If this was truly a debate about the security of the Arctic, we would be talking about more than the sovereignty of Greenland, which is clearly a matter for the Danes and the people of Greenland. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that our collective interests and security are best served by working collectively through NATO, rather than creating division in that alliance?
Minister reply
I strongly agree with my hon. Friend. I saw for myself the immense co-operation between the Royal Marines Commandos and our Norwegian colleagues in the north of Norway.
Mike Martin
LD
Tunbridge Wells
Question
Trump is certainly an unreliable and unpredictable ally, and his comments yesterday about the Norwegian leadership make us all wonder whether he is of sound mind. What can we do? We have to deal with him.
Minister reply
The hon. Member is right to say that there are many different perspectives across the US system, both in the Administration and in Congress.
Sarah Smith
Lab
Hyndburn
Question
I want to put on the record my gratitude for the leadership that the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have shown on this issue as it evolves. Does she share my confusion about why Members of this House who claim to be patriots would join a party that blames NATO for starting the Ukraine war, that has a leader who admires Vladimir Putin, and that has a former leader in Wales who is serving 10 years in prison for taking Russian bribes?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend. We need to be very clear about where the threat to UK security comes from, the threat from Russia to our security—be it through the Arctic or through Ukraine—and the impact that has on Europe.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary recognise that after a full year of attempting to appease Donald Trump, the strategy has comprehensively failed; that it is time to replace submission to the US with strength and solidarity with our European partners?
Minister reply
The UK’s security is strengthened by the NATO alliance—the transatlantic alliance. I know that some want to reject Europe, and some want to reject the US and North America.
Steve Race
Lab
Exeter
Question
Can the Foreign Secretary set out how, in order to deter further Russian aggression, we are working with our Arctic partners—in Norway and Finland, for example—to further protect our own continent?
Minister reply
We are doubling the number of UK marines based in the north of Norway in the space of a year, and we are working through NATO, through the coalition of the willing and with the US on security guarantees for Ukraine.
Blake Stephenson
Con
Mid Bedfordshire
Question
At the same time as trying to reinvigorate our relationships with our NATO partners, should our worst-case planning assumption be that the USA may not be by our side if and when we need it in the future?
Minister reply
This Government are responsible for the biggest increase in defence spending for many years. The hon. Gentleman will know that, under the previous Conservative Government, the level of investment in defence did not reach 2.5% of GDP throughout their period in office.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Question
Will she do all she can to urge US counterparts to use that agreement to provide enhanced protection for NATO’s northern borders and to drop the outrageous threat of tariffs, which is causing very damaging uncertainty for our industry?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a really important point. The 1951 agreement has huge flexibility and provides for considerable joint working between the US, Denmark and Greenland on strengthening security in that part of the Arctic.
Luke Taylor
LD
Sutton and Cheam
Question
How apt! We have also seen the unilateral kidnapping of the President of an independent country. We are not dealing with a rational man; he responds only to shiny baubles, as we have seen with the incredible saga of the Nobel peace prize.
Minister reply
We have long had deep interests and partnerships with the US that go back many years. The engagement the Prime Minister has led with the US Administration and the President has led to important results.
Steve Witherden
Lab
Montgomeryshire
Question
Given Trump’s banditry in Venezuela, I fear the Prime Minister’s hopes of “calm discussion” may fall on deaf ears. Will the Government stand firm with our European allies and the people of Greenland in opposing rampant American territorial expansionism?
Minister reply
We work closely with our European allies, which is exactly why I have had discussions with the Danish Foreign Minister today.
Torbay
Question
Trump and Putin both respect strength; neither of them respects international law. In the light of that, I welcome the work undertaken by the Prime Minister and leaders from Canada and Europe on the coalition of the willing.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Member for his support for the coalition of the willing. He will know that the UK and France set out a declaration of intent.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement, but in all sincerity can I ask her how, as per her statement, she intends to have ‘serious and constructive dialogue…built on respect’ and rules with a man who wants to drop peace and go to war simply because he did not win a prize?
Minister reply
In NATO, we have a long-standing alliance—a long-standing partnership—not just with the US, but with western Europe, and we continue to discuss with the US the issues affecting peace around the world. I would give the hon. Member the example of Sudan, which I do not think has had the level of international attention it needs. However, the US is putting in considerable efforts to seek a ceasefire in Sudan, and the UK is working not just with the US, but with other members of the Quad to support a desperately needed ceasefire.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Question
Last week, I was delighted to lead a debate on the very topic of the High North and Arctic security, highlighting that, because of our geography, the UK should be considered a frontline nation in the ongoing war with Vladimir Putin and that we cannot afford to sleepwalk unprepared into a geopolitical High North and Arctic. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that, as a frontline nation, we must urgently increase public awareness of the threat we face and the effect that will have on our constituents? Will she discuss with the Defence Secretary and our allies the possibility of urgently increasing the capability of the joint expeditionary force to defend both the UK and our High North allies?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Increasing our presence in the north of Norway—increasing the number of marines from 1,000 to 2,000 over three years—helps support the joint expeditionary force. It is also a crucial part of our co-operation across not just the Arctic, but the Baltic, and that work was welcomed in both Finland and Norway, where I was last week.
Stratford-on-Avon
Question
President Trump has stated that he no longer feels an obligation to think ‘purely of Peace’. He has threatened a trade war with the UK and Europe, and he has refused to rule out military force against Greenland. This shows that President Trump and his Administration cannot be trusted. Will the Government therefore consider a review of the UK’s intelligence sharing with the US at this very dangerous and volatile time, and until Trump is no longer in power?
Minister reply
Let me be really clear with the hon. Member: our Five Eyes intelligence and security partnership is vital and keeps us safe. It keeps us safe every single day of the week and every single day of the year, and that is vital. It is particularly close with the United States, but it is also with Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and our security depends on sustaining and building a shared sense of security.
Frank McNally
Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
Question
I am grateful to the Foreign Secretary for her statement, as well as to the Government for their commitment to Arctic security and recognition of the threats that we face. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the partnership with Norway—that includes the £10 billion contract for Type 26 frigates secured by this Government and set to be delivered on the Clyde, including by some of my constituents—makes clear that, beyond the rhetoric we are hearing at present, the Government are absolutely committed to playing their part within NATO to uphold our collective global responsibilities?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to welcome the £10 billion contract. That will support thousands of jobs in his constituency and across the UK. It is driven not just by the strength of our defence industry, but crucially, by the strength of our joint co-operation with Norway and the shared operations we will be able to take forward in future.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Question
I commend the Government for standing firm with our European allies in supporting the principle that the future of Greenland is a matter for her people and her people alone. I know that the Government will make every diplomatic effort to avoid the imposition of these punitive tariffs, but if they were to be imposed upon us, will it be the policy of the Government to pursue a co-ordinated approach with our European allies in any countermeasures that may prove necessary?
Minister reply
At all stages, we have discussions and co-ordination with our allies, but the Prime Minister made it clear this morning that our focus has to be on preventing a trade war and additional tariffs being introduced, and on building a constructive approach to our shared security.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Question
To say the very least, Donald Trump’s actions in Greenland and the related sanctions on the UK are not befitting of a trustworthy ally. Does the Foreign Secretary now accept that President Trump does not respond to weakness, and that, as Canada has shown, we must stand firm against this bullying behaviour and, as the Liberal Democrats have argued for months, work more closely with our EU allies?
Minister reply
Again, I would say that our strength, security and prosperity depend on things such as the NATO alliance, in which we work closely with our North American allies—the US and Canada—and our European allies. That strong relationship, and the fact that the UK works so strongly at the heart of that relationship, as opposed to rejecting one side or another, is what makes us stronger.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Question
President Trump questioned the Danish right of ownership of Greenland, saying: ‘There are no written documents, it’s only a boat that landed there hundreds of years ago’. Although Trump may today be challenging Greenland, on that basis, what assurance can the Foreign Secretary give that our overseas territories and those of our other allies would not come under a similar challenge from President Trump?
Minister reply
We have been very clear that the principle of sovereignty—of territorial integrity—is fundamental. That is why the Prime Minister has made clear our strong disagreement with President Trump on this issue, the importance of issues such as Arctic security being collective, and that threats are no way to treat allies.
Adnan Hussain
Ind
Blackburn
Question
The Prime Minister insists that a trade war is in no one’s interest, yet we know that the US has declared sanctions on our economy, in spite of the so-called special relationship. If these sanctions come to pass, can the Secretary of State say what concrete measures will be put in place to protect UK businesses from their detrimental effects?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister has already discussed this issue with President Trump and made clear our position, and we are working through diplomacy and continued different avenues to stress the importance of respecting sovereignty, collective security, and the fact that tariffs benefit no one and are completely wrong in this situation.
Helen Morgan
LD
North Shropshire
Question
The Secretary of State has rightly outlined the importance of co-operation with our allies over this serious issue, but as we have seen, there is not a consistent approach on retaliatory tariffs. Can she describe to the House the discussions that the UK Government had with our European allies before ruling out retaliatory tariffs?
Minister reply
The UK is continuing to hold discussions with European allies, exactly as I have been doing today with the Danish Foreign Minister, and as the Prime Minister has been doing throughout the weekend. He also made clear our strong view to President Trump and the US that we need to prevent these tariffs in the first place, and that we need to take action together to make sure that that happens.
Dorking and Horley
Question
Exactly two weeks ago, the Foreign Secretary told me that I was quite wrong to describe Donald Trump as a threat to liberal democracy. Since then, we have seen the horrifying shooting of Renee Good, trumped-up charges against the chair of the Federal Reserve, and direct threats to Denmark and this country. I understand that the Foreign Secretary cannot publicly agree with me, but if the Government are serious, why are we not seriously re-arming, especially when that will help our economy anyway? Is the Foreign Secretary worried that the hour is getting too late to act?
Minister reply
I think the question the hon. Member raises is about the increase in defence spending, which is exactly what we are doing. We are investing—we are introducing the most substantial increase in defence spending for many years. Defence infrastructure was hollowed out under previous Governments, and that is exactly why we are increasing investment now.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Question
A week or so ago I asked the Foreign Secretary at the Dispatch Box: where was the red line? What was the Rubicon that would have to be crossed to lead the UK to hang together with our values-based allies in opposition to the imperialist ambitions of Donald Trump?... Is the red line the Falkland Islands?
Minister reply
I just say to the hon. Member that what we have seen from our Prime Minister is a serious level of international leadership that is immensely important: a robust and hard-headed approach to the UK’s national interests that is the way we achieve results and have achieved results in a series of different areas. He set out this morning the principles that guide us, including the strong defence of the principle of sovereignty, and that the future of Greenland is for the Greenlanders and for the Danes to decide.
Ian Sollom
LD
St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Question
The Foreign Secretary has talked a lot about military co-operation today, less so about economic security co-ordination. She will remember that the Prime Minister abolished the National Security Council sub-committee on economic security... How are these economic security questions and co-ordination with partners being handled and managed in Government?
Minister reply
I can tell the hon. Gentleman that, as the Foreign Secretary, I take economic security issues immensely seriously. It is why we are strengthening the work around critical minerals and the economic security that comes from international supply chains. He will know that there are issues around critical national infrastructure that also underpin our economic security. This is taken immensely seriously right across the Government, including on the National Security Council.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for your patience in getting us all in; it is much appreciated. I also thank the Foreign Secretary for her statement... Will the Foreign Secretary outline how we in this country, as close allies of the USA and as a nation that relies on the security of that area, will liaise with the USA and Greenland on enhancements of security and greater strategic facilitation?
Minister reply
This is an important question to finish on, because the UK is proposing an new Arctic sentry as part of NATO. We already have a Baltic Sentry and an Eastern Sentry that pull together operations and co-ordination in a strategic way to look at the defence of those regions and how all NATO allies can pull together to support that. We believe the same is now needed for the Arctic. The Arctic is the gateway for the Russian northern fleet to threaten the whole of the transatlantic alliance. That is why we believe an Arctic sentry would be in everyone’s interests.
Shadow Comment
Priti Patel
Shadow Comment
The Conservative party condemns the US Administration’s decision to impose tariffs on the UK over Greenland, which is a wrong move that will harm both nations. Denmark's sovereignty must be respected, and the future of Greenland should be decided by its people and Denmark alone. The security challenges in the Arctic, particularly from Russia, must be tackled through collective NATO action. Will the Foreign Secretary provide resources for prioritising or repurposing inventory to support NATO’s High North missions? What plans are there to collaborate with the US on a greater consensual military presence in Greenland? How will the Government address safety of shipping routes, critical minerals exploitation, fisheries protection, and digital security in the Arctic region? The Conservatives also urge the Prime Minister to push for an urgent NATO meeting to present a united front against adversaries.
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