Sir Keir Starmer's planned political offensive on the cost of living has been abruptly knocked off the news agenda by the dramatic actions of former US President Donald Trump in Venezuela.
Planned PR Blitz Derailed
The Labour leader had intended to use the first week back after the Christmas recess to hammer the government over living standards. In a Sunday Times article published yesterday, he outlined his case, referencing measures like the budget plan to cut average energy bills by £150.
However, that domestic focus was completely overshadowed by news that Trump had orchestrated the abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, replacing him with a figure expected to be more compliant with US demands, particularly regarding the country's vast oil reserves.
A UK Political Dilemma on International Law
The event has triggered an intense debate within UK political circles about how to respond. While no mainstream UK party appears keen to adopt Trump's confrontational approach to securing cheap energy—a stance likely welcomed in Oslo—the immediate controversy revolves around the legality of the intervention.
Keir Starmer has so far declined to criticise the American action. The UK government has similarly dodged questions on whether it views the extradition as legal. This contrasts with the European Union, where all member states except Hungary issued a joint statement overnight. While not explicitly naming Trump, the EU stressed the paramount importance of international law and the UN Charter, implicitly accusing the US of ignoring them.
Ministers and Backbenchers Weigh In
Migration Minister Mike Tapp, interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, denied that Starmer's silence was due to fear of upsetting Trump. "Absolutely not," he stated. "The British government is, and will, be in conversations with the Americans. And it’s for the Americans to lay out the legal basis for the action that they’ve taken."
In a separate interview on BBC Westminster Hour, Emily Thornberry, the chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee, expressed profound concern. She compared Trump's mindset to that of Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, suggesting he believes he can act with impunity within his sphere of influence.
On Starmer's cautious position, Thornberry acknowledged the Prime Minister had "a number of considerations" to weigh. However, free from ministerial responsibility, she was blunt: "In the end there is no getting away from it. This is not a legal action... I literally cannot think of anything that could be a proper justification."
Today's Political Agenda
Amid the international crisis, domestic politics continues. Key events for Tuesday include:
- 10am: Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney gives a speech in Glasgow.
- Morning: Keir Starmer is on a visit in Berkshire where he is due to speak to the media.
- 11.30am: Downing Street holds its daily lobby briefing.
- 2.30pm: Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood takes questions in the Commons.
- After 3.30pm: Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to give a statement to MPs about the situation in Venezuela.
The day also features speeches from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar (10.30am) and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay (1pm), as all parties look ahead to the Holyrood elections in May.
