Lord Mandelson, former UK ambassador to the US, stated his belief that former US President Donald Trump would not attempt to seize Greenland by force. He acknowledged Trump's directness but emphasized that advisers would highlight the dangers such action could pose to US national interests. The comments were made amid ongoing discussions regarding the US's interest in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Background on Greenland's Status
Trump had previously expressed that the US needed to "own" Greenland to prevent Russia and China from doing so. However, Denmark and Greenland have consistently affirmed that the territory is not for sale. Denmark also warned that military intervention could jeopardize the NATO military alliance. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to hold discussions with Denmark concerning Greenland.
Arctic Security Concerns
Mandelson, observing Trump's actions, suggested that there is a growing necessity for the Arctic region to be secured against the influence of China and Russia, identifying the United States as the likely leader in this effort. He noted Greenland's strategic location between North America and the Arctic, which is valuable for missile early warning systems and monitoring regional vessel activity. Trump had previously claimed, without providing evidence, that Greenland was frequented by Russian and Chinese ships, linking his renewed focus to a recent event in Venezuela.
UK Political Responses
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that the UK is collaborating with NATO allies to enhance Arctic security, viewing these discussions as standard NATO business rather than a direct response to a US military threat. She affirmed the UK's agreement with the assessment that the Arctic Circle is an increasingly contested area, emphasizing the importance of an effective deterrent against Russia in the region.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch considered the situation in Greenland a "second-order" issue compared to ongoing events in Iran, dismissing questions about deploying troops to Greenland as "hypothetical." Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey advocated for the UK to deploy troops to Greenland as part of a NATO operation led by Denmark, suggesting that Trump's "outrageous threats" could inadvertently benefit Russia.
US Influence and Resources
The US already maintains significant influence over Greenland through existing agreements with Denmark, allowing for troop deployment. Interest in Greenland's natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, iron, and potential oil and gas reserves, has increased as the ice melts due to climate change. Trump indicated dissatisfaction with current agreements, reiterating his opposition to Russia and China having a presence in Greenland and stressing NATO's need to understand this stance. Denmark's NATO allies have reaffirmed that decisions concerning Greenland's relations rest solely with Denmark and Greenland.
Lord Mandelson's Past
Lord Mandelson was previously dismissed from his ambassadorial role following revelations of contact with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein's first conviction. Mandelson stated that the government was aware of his background when he was appointed, though not the specific emails that led to his dismissal.