Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government is navigating a diplomatic minefield following a dramatic US-led raid in Venezuela, opting for a strategy of extreme caution to avoid damaging the crucial transatlantic partnership.
A Masterclass in Diplomatic Hedging
The political storm was triggered when US President Donald Trump authorised a covert CIA operation, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The US president justified the action by labelling Maduro a "narco-terrorist" and had previously blockaded oil tankers as part of a mounting campaign.
In response, the UK Prime Minister took a significant 16 hours to issue a public statement. When he did, it was a carefully calibrated act of fence-sitting. Starmer acknowledged that the UK regarded Maduro as an illegitimate leader and "shed no tears" about the end of his regime. However, echoing his background as a human rights lawyer, he simultaneously reiterated the UK's commitment to international law.
Internal Disquiet and External Pressure
This cautious approach has defined the government's position since: saying little that might offend the Trump administration, leaving the US to explain its legal justifications, and, as one aide bluntly put it, "recognising that it's not our fight."
However, this stance has caused discomfort within parts of the government, particularly among some Foreign Office officials. One source warned that "effectively kidnapping a head of state to achieve regime change sets you on a dangerous path." Privately, some ministers have expressed alarm, questioning where such actions might lead, asking "Colombia? Cuba? Even Greenland?"
External pressure is also mounting. The Liberal Democrats and the Greens have urged a stronger condemnation. Even Reform UK's Nigel Farage suggested the raid likely violated international law, though he saw potential strategic benefits.
The Realpolitik Calculation
Downing Street's rationale is rooted in hard-nosed pragmatism. With a multibillion-pound trade deal with the US and ongoing efforts to secure peace in Ukraine hanging in the balance, the government is "taking the realpolitik route," according to an insider. They firmly reject comparisons between the Venezuela operation and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling it a "bad comparison."
To reassure concerned colleagues, Starmer has indicated that a time may come to take a tougher line with President Trump, but that moment is not now. The Prime Minister has framed it as a stark choice, asking "Are we willing to risk damaging our most important economic and national security partnerships as a result?"
Starmer is due to speak directly with President Trump after a "coalition of the willing" meeting in Paris, with the tone expected to be emollient. For now, the UK's diplomatic tightrope walk continues, balancing principle against pivotal national interests.
