BREAKING: UK and EU countries hit back at Donald Trump's tariff threat in joint statement

Last night the US President Donald Trump warned he will slap 10% tariffs on countries including the UK for opposing his desired takeover of Greenland

NATO countries including the UK have accused Donald Trump's tariffs threats of risking a "dangerous downward spiral" in relations.

Last night the US President warned he will slap 10% tariffs on countries including the UK for opposing his desired takeover of Greenland.

He also threatened to hike the levies on NATO allies to 25% on June 1 if a deal to buy Greenland is not reached.

In a joint statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, leaders hit back.

They said: “As members of NATO, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest. The pre-coordinated Danish exercise ‘Arctic Endurance’ conducted with Allies, responds to this necessity. It poses no threat to anyone.

“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.”