Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has arrived in New York to face US criminal charges, following a dramatic military operation that has triggered a major geopolitical shift and drawn a firm response from the UK government.
US Operation and Charges
US President Donald Trump confirmed that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were flown out of Caracas on Saturday 3 January 2026 after early morning strikes. They have been indicted on serious charges including "narco-terrorism conspiracy" and cocaine importation conspiracy, as stated by US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The operation, which saw explosions and low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital, culminated in Maduro being transported aboard the US warship Iwo Jima. A video posted by the White House on Sunday 4 January appeared to show the former president handcuffed and escorted in a "perp walk".
UK Government's Stance
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was quick to respond, issuing a statement on Sunday evening. "We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime," he declared. Sir Keir emphasised the UK's long-standing support for a transition of power in Venezuela.
The Prime Minister said his Labour administration would discuss the "evolving situation" with American counterparts in the coming days, seeking a peaceful transition to a legitimate government. He noted that work was ongoing to safeguard the approximately 500 British nationals currently in Venezuela, with the Foreign Office advising against all travel to the country.
Political Reactions and Fallout
The dramatic events sparked immediate political debate in the UK. While Sir Keir initially refrained from commenting on the legality of the US action, wanting to "establish the facts," he later reiterated his support for international law.
Opposition voices were divided. Former Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said "nobody will shed tears" for Maduro's removal. In contrast, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called on the PM to rebuke the US's "illegal action," and Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski condemned the "breach of international human rights law."
Internationally, the UN secretary-general expressed concern that the rules of international law may not have been respected. European leaders, including France's Emmanuel Macron and Italy's Giorgia Meloni, called for a democratic transition.
Meanwhile, in Venezuela, the country's highest court has ordered vice president Delcy Rodriguez to assume the role of interim president. President Trump has stated the US intends to manage the country's affairs until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" can occur, with plans to exploit Venezuela's oil infrastructure.
