Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski has launched a scathing attack on Sir Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage, accusing the two political figures of demonstrating 'craven cowardice' in their response to former US President Donald Trump's military intervention in Venezuela.
A Failure to Condemn 'An Act of Piracy'
In a statement published on January 5, 2026, Polanski condemned what he termed Trump's 'act of piracy' – the bombing of Venezuela's capital and the kidnapping of its president, Nicolás Maduro. Polanski highlighted that Trump has openly stated his motive is to profit from the country's vast oil reserves for American companies.
Polanski argued that any nation believing in the rule of international law should condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms. Instead, he claims the UK's political leadership has offered only weak and evasive responses.
Vague Responses and 'Hypothetical' Questions
The critique focuses on the perceived failure of both Starmer and Farage to take a firm stand. Polanski pointed to Labour minister Darren Jones, who on January 4th refused to address what he called 'hypothetical questions' regarding the situation.
Meanwhile, Polanski states that Sir Keir Starmer has spoken only in vague terms about being 'an advocate' for international law without explicitly condemning a clear breach of it. 'There is no mystery,' Polanski writes. 'Trump is saying, loudly and repeatedly, what he’s done – he is proud of it. And yet the UK Government won’t even say what has happened. That is shameful.'
He contrasted this with Labour MP Emily Thornberry, who he noted showed courage by telling Times Radio that 'there is no legal basis for this.'
Patriotism or Subservience?
Polanski's central charge is that both Starmer and Farage's professed patriotism rings hollow. 'They use it as a tool to attack the vulnerable, asylum seekers, people struggling because of the cost of living crisis,' he asserts.
He accuses them of 'subservience' to Trump, arguing their loyalty lies with the 'super rich and powerful' rather than with principles of law or the Venezuelan people. 'This is not patriotism. It’s subservience,' he declared, adding that 'the only flags Farage and Starmer have been waving this weekend are white.'
Polanski emphasised that the issue is not about support for Maduro, but about the Venezuelan people and a dangerous precedent where 'international law [is rendered] meaningless.'
Broader Implications and Hypocrisy
The article warns that this weak stance emboldens global dictators and undermines international security. Polanski suggests that Trump's open threats towards Greenland and Denmark create a prospect of conflict within NATO, and that the UK's response offers little reassurance to allies.
He also draws parallels with other foreign policy stances, criticising the UK government for arming Israel while not officially recognising its actions in Gaza as genocide, and for talking tough on Russia while effectively surrendering to Trump. 'The person laughing this weekend following Britain’s white flag to Trump will have been Putin himself,' Polanski concludes, accusing Starmer and Farage of having 'sold out Ukraine' through their compliance.
Polanski's final verdict is damning: 'We now have a Government that talks tough to the most vulnerable but whimpers and kneels to the powerful and the bullies. This weekend has proven it beyond doubt – Keir Starmer is a coward.'
