Several political figures, including leaders from the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and SNP, have criticized the US military action, urging the UK Prime Minister to condemn it as a violation of international law. Senior Labour MP Emily Thornberry echoed these concerns, stating the strikes were illegal and could embolden Russia and China. Although a limited number of Labour MPs have publicly condemned the US action, further criticism may arise in the House of Commons. The UN Security Council, with the UK as a permanent member, is discussing the operation, with the UK representative expressing a desire for a peaceful transition in Venezuela while reaffirming commitment to international law.

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Only Greenland and Denmark should decide its future, Starmer says – it’s something that really shouldn’t need spelling out. The whole situation feels absurd, doesn’t it? That a statement like this even needs to be made publicly is a sign of how bizarre things have become. Greenland is, after all, a territory of Denmark, a stable, democratic nation and a member of both the EU and NATO. It’s almost a given that the future of Greenland should be a decision made by Greenland itself, with Denmark playing a facilitating role, not a dictating one.

The implications of any attempt to alter that reality are staggering, particularly if we consider the potential impact on international relations. A move by the US to take over Greenland, as has been suggested by certain figures, would be catastrophic for America’s relationships with its traditional allies. Countries like Canada, those in Europe, and even Australia and New Zealand would likely be deeply alienated. The US, in such a scenario, would find itself increasingly isolated on the world stage, potentially without any dependable allies when faced with challenges from rising powers like China or Iran.

And yet, despite the obvious logic, the mere fact that this needs to be stated underscores the unusual times we live in. We’re in a multi-polar world where the old rules might not always apply. It’s a world where the idea of “America First” could become “America Alone,” and where Europe, once a staunch ally, might turn its back when help is needed. The potential for such a drastic shift is a cause for serious concern. The fact that the future of Greenland is already set – a sovereign territory deciding its own path, aided by a stable democracy – is a reality that should be respected. An aggressor threatening to change that needs to be called out.

The potential for any such action is deeply worrying. It’s not just about losing a territory; it’s about the seismic shifts it would cause in global alliances. The damage to the NATO alliance, in particular, would be immense, and it’s hard to imagine Europe forgiving such an act. The very fact that the US President has considered such an action is baffling to many. It is embarrassing that it has to be addressed. It’s almost as if some people don’t fully grasp the ramifications of such a move.

The question of sovereignty is paramount. The idea that a nation might simply be “taken over” is a horrifying prospect in the modern world. Actions like these could lead to resource extraction, with the people of Greenland having little say in the matter. This would be a clear violation of international norms, and the silence or, worse, approval of such actions would set a dangerous precedent for the world.

And here we come to the crux of the issue: the need for strong condemnation and decisive action. There’s a clear understanding that an attack on Greenland is not a matter of “if” but “when”. With the rights of the people being eroded and the executive branch of governments being strengthened, history repeats itself. It’s no longer about whether it will happen, but when, and we can’t afford to play games or wait for the US rationale before speaking out.

The reality, as some see it, is that Europe may not be prepared to take a stand. Strong words might be the extent of any response, and we can’t underestimate how much the US is entrenched in the fabric of global life. The US dollar, social media, fast food, and all other aspects are all intertwined. The world has a difficult decision ahead.