UK should ‘put together for conflict with United States’ as WW3 edges nearer than ever earlier than
Former NATO commander Sir Richard Shirreff has warned Britain must prepare for the worst-case scenario of fighting US forces over Greenland as Donald Trump threatens tariffs and shows no sign of backing down
The US President has dramatically shifted his attitude towards Starmer in the last week(Image: Getty)
The UK must be ready to face potential conflict with the United States as Donald Trump remains unyielding in his pursuit of Greenland, warns General Sir Richard Shirreff, a former NATO Deputy Supreme Commander Europe. He has cautioned that the United States is no longer an ally, but a “predator.”
Sir Richard has called on Europe to stand firm against intimidation from Washington, criticising their previous approach of appeasement.
His comments follow threats from the US President to impose tariffs on the UK and several NATO allies due to their opposition to his ambition to incorporate Greenland into the United States. Sir Richard stated: “When it comes to this Trump administration, we have to prepare for the worst-case scenario.”
In his piece for the Daily Mail, he further added: “And, in this instance, to show our intent – that means being open to the prospect of European forces fighting a ground war against the US in Greenland.”
He continued: “This would, of course, spell the end for NATO, an alliance which has kept us safe for coming on 77 years and an organisation in which I proudly served as deputy supreme allied commander in Europe for three years, after leaving the Army.”, reports the Express.
He concluded: “And so, as Trump continues to threaten and goad, my message to European leaders is this: America is no longer our ally but a predator and a bully.”
He urged: “Stick together and prepare for war. Because the only way to deal with bullies is to push back.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered a cautious response to the tariff threat on Monday, addressing journalists at a hastily convened press conference where he urged that the Greenland dispute should be settled through “calm discussion between allies” rather than military intervention or trade warfare.
The US president announced he would impose a 10% tariff “on any and all goods” exported from Britain to America starting February 1, escalating to 25% from June 1, until Washington secures a deal to buy Greenland from Denmark.
Mr Trump declared the same measures would affect Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland – all NATO members.
When questioned about following through on his tariff warning, Mr Trump confirmed to NBC News: “I will, 100%.”
He stated: “Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine because, frankly, you see what that’s gotten them … That’s what Europe should focus on – not Greenland.”
Sir Keir maintained that Mr Trump wasn’t genuinely considering military action to seize the territory, and indicated Britain wouldn’t participate in trade warfare over the matter as this was “not the right way to resolve differences within an alliance”.
The Prime Minister emphasised that Greenland’s future sovereignty remains exclusively a decision for the territory and Denmark, adding: “The use of tariffs against allies is completely wrong.
“It is not the right way to resolve differences within an alliance, nor is it helpful to frame efforts to strengthen Greenland security as a justification for economic pressure.”
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