FEARS TRUMP'S TARIFFS THREAT WILL RIP NATO APART

European leaders warn of 'dangerous downward spiral' after Greenland demands

- BY MICHAEL KNOWLES Home Affairs Editor

DONALD Trump’s tariff threats to those opposing his bid to take over Greenland “risk a dangerous downward spiral” that could rip Nato apart, Europe warned.

Russia yesterday hailed the “collapse of the transatlantic union” after the US president threatened levies on all goods from eight countries — including Britain — if he is not allowed to buy Greenland from Denmark.

Keir Starmer told Mr Trump his strategy was “wrong”, and underlined his support for Greenland's sovereignty. The Prime Minister will hold an emergency press conference this morning.

Yesterday the eight nations - the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Finland issued the most forceful rebuke of Mr Trump from European allies since he returned to the White House last year.

It said: "We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland. Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind.

"Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.

"We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty."

Protesters took to the streets in Danish capital Copenhagen over the weekend in solidarity with Greenland, which is a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.