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UK distances itself from US operation in Venezuela
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the United Kingdom played no role in the US-led military action to detain Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, stating the government had no prior involvement.
Starmer seeks clarity before taking stance
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Starmer declined to condemn the US operation, emphasizing the need to first gather facts and consult with President Donald Trump. He described the situation as "fast-moving" and said he would engage with allies before making further statements.
"I always believe we should uphold international law," Starmer said. "But at this stage, let's establish the facts and take it from there. I want to speak to President Trump and our allies."
UK citizens in Venezuela monitored
The prime minister assured that the UK embassy in Venezuela was actively supporting approximately 500 British nationals in the country. "We are ensuring they are well looked-after, safeguarded, and receive appropriate advice," he said.
US details operation to capture Maduro
President Trump announced that Maduro and his wife were extracted from Venezuela in a coordinated military and law enforcement operation. According to CBS News, elite US Delta Force units participated in the raid.
US officials have previously indicted Maduro on charges of drug trafficking and weapons violations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated no additional actions against Venezuela were expected following the operation.
International reactions split
UK political figures responded with mixed views. Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel called Maduro's removal "a serious geopolitical moment" but stopped short of endorsing the US action. "We await the full facts," she said, while reiterating the Conservative Party's stance that Maduro's government was illegitimate.
"Nobody will shed tears that Maduro has been removed. We want to see the Venezuelan people enjoy democratic norms and freedoms."
Dame Priti Patel, Conservative shadow foreign secretary
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged Starmer to condemn the operation, calling it an "illegal action" that undermined global security. "Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity," he warned.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the raid as "unorthodox" but suggested it could deter future aggression by Russia and China. Meanwhile, Green Party leader Zack Polanski labeled the strike "illegal" and a violation of international human rights law.
EU calls for restraint, prioritizes citizen safety
The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stated the bloc was closely monitoring developments. While the EU has previously declared Maduro's leadership illegitimate, Kallas stressed the need for a peaceful transition.
"Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint."
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs
Kallas added that the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela remained the bloc's top priority.
