The British government has stated it is 'not entirely clear' what the United States intends by taking charge of Venezuela, following a military operation that saw US forces capture the country's president, Nicolás Maduro.
UK Calls for Peaceful Transition Amid Legal Uncertainty
Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, said the UK would wait to determine whether the US attack on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and the capture of Maduro and his wife on Saturday constituted a breach of international law. He urged a swift move towards a peaceful transition of power that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.
Asked on Sky News if President Donald Trump's announcement that the US would run Venezuela amounted to colonialism, Jones responded that Britain was 'not in favour of colonialism' and remained unclear on the meaning behind Trump's comments. 'It’s for the Americans now and for Venezuela to set out what happens in the coming days,' he stated.
Starmer and Opposition Figures Weigh In
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated that the UK had no involvement and received no prior warning about the US plan. Speaking to the BBC, Starmer emphasised his commitment to international law but said he needed all the facts before making a final judgement on the American action.
In contrast, the deputy leader of Reform UK defended Trump's move, arguing it was executed under US domestic law and was not comparable to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'The reality is that an enemy of the West has been removed,' he said, while warning against creating a power vacuum.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel highlighted the democratic deficit in Venezuela, noting Maduro cancelled the result of the 2024 election won by an opposition leader. She stated the focus must now be on establishing a clear pathway back to democracy for the South American nation.
The Path Forward for Venezuela
The immediate aftermath leaves critical questions unanswered. The UK's cautious stance underscores the complex diplomatic and legal ramifications of the US intervention. The central demand from London is for a process that leads to a legitimate, Venezuelan-led government, avoiding prolonged foreign control and further instability in the region.
As events continue to unfold, the international community watches closely to see how the US administers its promised 'safe, proper and judicious transition' of power.
