US Action in Venezuela and UK's Response
US President Donald Trump authorized covert operations in Venezuela, targeting drug traffickers. These operations led to the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, whom President Trump identified in connection with "narco-terrorism." Prior to this development, Trump had confirmed CIA operations in Venezuela and implemented blockades of oil tankers.
UK Government's Diplomatic Stance
Following Maduro's seizure, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a public statement after a 16-hour delay. In his statement, Starmer acknowledged that the UK considered Maduro an illegitimate president and expressed no regret regarding the cessation of his regime. Concurrently, he reaffirmed the UK's commitment to international law. The UK government has subsequently maintained a policy of limited public commentary on the US action. This approach is reportedly aimed at avoiding diplomatic friction with the United States and is understood to be influenced by ongoing discussions regarding a potential multi-billion-pound trade deal and cooperation on the situation in Ukraine.
Internal and External Reactions in the UK
Opposition parties in the UK, including the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party, have urged the government to condemn the US action. Emily Thornberry, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, suggested that a lack of condemnation from Western nations could potentially embolden countries like China and Russia. A spokesperson for Starmer stated that comparisons between the recent events and a full-scale invasion of a sovereign, democratic state were considered inappropriate. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, indicated that the US action constituted a violation of international law.
Within the UK government, some senior officials, including those in the Foreign Office, have privately expressed concerns about the precedent established by the seizure of a head of state. Ministerial discussions have included considerations regarding potential implications for future international actions.
Broader UK Foreign Policy Context
Officials at Downing Street have indicated that the UK would adopt a more robust stance if a European ally were to face a threat. Prime Minister Starmer previously expressed support for the Danish Prime Minister's position against US threats concerning Greenland. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper publicly affirmed that the future of Greenland is solely a matter for its inhabitants and Denmark. Starmer has attempted to establish communication with President Trump following the event. He has communicated to his colleagues that any decision to publicly challenge US actions would necessitate a careful evaluation of potential adverse effects on the UK's key economic and national security partnerships.