Nigel Farage has said Donald Trump's military action in Venezuela was contrary to international law, while suggesting it could deter Russia and China. The Reform UK leader's comments came after the US president announced that Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and flown out of the country following months of pressure from Washington.
Explosions rocked parts of Caracas early on January 3, with black smoke seen rising from buildings as soldiers descended on the Venezuelan capital. In a post on X, Mr Farage wrote: “The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law — but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing. I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that Britain was “not involved in any way” in the operation. He said he had not yet spoken to President Trump but wanted to “establish the facts”, adding: “What I can say is that the UK was not involved in any way in this operation, and as you’d expect, we’re focusing on British nationals in Venezuela (and) working very closely with our embassy.”
Around 500 UK nationals are currently in Venezuela. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to warn against all travel to the country, telling British nationals to shelter in place, keep travel documents valid, and prepare a personal emergency plan that does not rely on UK government support.
