Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has publicly dismissed reports claiming the United Kingdom has suspended intelligence sharing with the United States concerning suspected drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean.
Diplomatic Reassurances Amidst Tensions
Speaking during a visit to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier off the coast of Naples on Monday 17 November 2025, Ms Cooper moved to reaffirm the strength of the UK's intelligence partnership with the US. She pointed to the existing, long-standing frameworks for cooperation with Five Eyes partners – the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada – stating unequivocally that intelligence sharing continues as normal under these agreements.
The Foreign Secretary also referenced US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who last week rejected a CNN report on an intelligence sharing rift as a "false story". While maintaining the UK's standard policy of not commenting on specific intelligence matters, Ms Cooper indicated that Mr Rubio's remarks should be taken as a clear denial of the claims.
UK Stance on Venezuela and Potential Military Action
Ms Cooper appeared to align with former US President Donald Trump's concerns regarding the threat posed by drug cartels in Venezuela. She acknowledged serious issues with "the scale of the criminal drug gang networks" and challenges to state stability in the region.
However, she stopped short of endorsing any potential US military strikes against the government of Nicolás Maduro. When pressed on whether Britain would support such action, the Foreign Secretary stated that the UK is engaged in ongoing international discussions on the matter, carefully avoiding a direct commitment.
British Personnel and the Legal Dilemma
The situation presents a significant dilemma for the UK government due to the presence of British military personnel within the US carrier strike group currently positioned in the Caribbean Sea. A small number, understood to be in the single digits, are deployed aboard the USS Gerald R Ford – the world's largest aircraft carrier – and at least one of its escorting warships.
Defence Secretary John Healey, who was also visiting the HMS Prince of Wales, was questioned on whether these British personnel would be permitted to participate in a potential US assault on Venezuela. He affirmed that the UK would ensure all actions taken by its military personnel are "consistent with international humanitarian law". Mr Healey declined to comment on hypothetical scenarios but emphasised that the US remains the UK's closest security, defence, and intelligence partner.
The presence of British troops on US vessels means any decision by Washington to launch attacks could directly implicate the UK, making the government's cautious diplomatic positioning a critical balancing act between a key ally and the adherence to international law.
