Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated unequivocally that the United Kingdom played no part in the dramatic US military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of the country's president, Nicolás Maduro, and airstrikes on the capital, Caracas.
A Fast-Moving Situation
Speaking to broadcasters on Saturday, 3 January, Starmer described the events as a "fast-moving situation" and emphasised the need to establish the full facts. He confirmed he had not yet spoken to US President Donald Trump, who authorised the extraordinary attack.
The Prime Minister outlined the immediate priorities for the UK government. "The UK was not involved in any way in this operation," he stated, adding that efforts were concentrated on the safety of the approximately 500 British nationals in Venezuela through close work with the embassy in Caracas.
Starmer indicated he would seek talks with the US president and other allies in due course, but for now, the focus remains on gathering accurate information, including from a press conference Trump is scheduled to hold later on Saturday.
Political Reaction and Calls for Condemnation
The Prime Minister's comments came amid pressure from opposition leaders to denounce the US action. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey labelled the strikes "illegal" and warned they could set a dangerous precedent.
In a post on X, Davey argued that while Maduro is a "brutal and illegitimate dictator," unlawful attacks undermine global security and could embolden leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. He called on Starmer to condemn Trump's actions explicitly.
Green party co-leader Zack Polanski echoed this sentiment, criticising the UK's "special relationship" with the US and suggesting it had given Trump a sense of impunity. In response to Starmer's wait-and-see approach, Polanski questioned the wisdom of relying on Trump's own press conference to establish facts.
Diverging Views on the Operation
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage offered a more nuanced perspective. He acknowledged the operation was "unorthodox" and in breach of international law. However, he suggested that if it made nations like China and Russia "think twice," it might have a positive effect, expressing hope for a new future for the Venezuelan people without Maduro.
Notably, Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch has not issued any public statement on the developments at this stage.
The scene on the ground in Venezuela was one of devastation, as captured in photographs from La Carlota air base in Caracas on 3 January. Images showed a firefighter surveying the burnt-out wreckage of a military vehicle following the US assault, a stark visual testament to the day's violent events.
