Andy Burnham congratulates Donald Trump and Danish PM on Greenland deal

Andy Burnham has congratulated Denmark and the US on a deal to “strengthen security in the Arctic” after the two countries reached an agreement over Greenland.

The Prime Minister and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen “welcomed the US’ commitment to the region” in a call on Sunday morning, Downing Street said.

In a readout, a No 10 spokesperson said: “The two leaders began by discussing their upcoming visits to New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The Prime Minister said he would use the trip to drive forward work on issues that matter to people at home, including reducing the cost of living through greater global stability and delivering security for people through closer international partnerships.

US President Donald Trump has spent months threatening to take Greenland by force (PA)

PA Wire

“Turning to defence and security, the two leaders discussed the forthcoming signing of a new deal to strengthen security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area between the US, Greenland and Denmark this week.

“They welcomed the US’ commitment to the region and underlined the strategic and shared importance of the High North for Euro-Atlantic security.

“The Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Frederiksen and the Kingdom of Denmark on negotiating a deal benefiting the US, Greenland and Denmark, and said he would pass on his congratulations to President Trump.

“The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said he hoped to make further progress with partners on stepping up support for Ukraine during UNGA and in the coming weeks.

“The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.”

On Saturday, the US president said he had a deal with Denmark to bolster America’s military presence in Greenland after months of threatening to take the island by force from the Nato ally.