The UK is working with Nato allies to strengthen Arctic security following US President Donald Trump's recent statements about wanting control over Greenland. The development comes as military chiefs reportedly devise plans for a potential Nato mission to the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander downplayed the significance of the coordination on BBC One's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg. She described discussions about securing the High North against Russia and China as "business as usual" for Nato, suggesting The Sunday Telegraph report «possibly reads something more into business as usual discussions amongst Nato allies than there actually are».
Trump has made clear his desire to control Greenland, even hinting at the use of military force. He stated: «if we don't do it the easy way, we're going to do it the hard way». The comments have raised concerns about potential military action against Denmark, a Nato ally.
Military Planning
The Sunday Telegraph reported that military chiefs are developing plans for a Nato mission to Greenland that could involve British soldiers, warships and planes. The potential deployment reflects growing security concerns in the Arctic region.
Alexander acknowledged the strategic importance of the area, stating it «is becoming an increasingly contested part of the world with the ambitions of (Vladimir) Putin and China». She emphasized: «Whilst we haven't seen the appalling consequences in that part of the world that we've seen in Ukraine, it is really important that we do everything that we can with all of our Nato allies to ensure that we have an effective deterrent in that part of the globe against Putin.»
Diplomatic Assessment
Lord Peter Mandelson, former UK ambassador to the US, dismissed the likelihood of military action. He said: «President Trump is not going to land on Greenland, take Greenland by force». Instead, Mandelson predicted extensive dialogue: «He's not a fool. What's going to happen is there's going to be a lot of discussion, a lot of consultation, a lot of negotiation and at the end of the day, we are all going to have to wake up to the reality that the Arctic needs securing against China and Russia.»
Mandelson added: «And if you ask me who is going to lead in that effort to secure, we all know, don't we, that it's going to be the United States.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
