The Labour Party is engulfed in a fierce internal conflict, with MPs from its left wing demanding Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer explicitly condemn the United States' dramatic military operation in Venezuela.
Pressure Mounts Over 'Double Standards'
Sir Keir has so far refused to describe the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as an illegal act that breaches international law. This stance has ignited fury among Labour backbenchers, who accuse their leader of applying a selective approach to global justice.
MPs have lined up to criticise what they see as glaring hypocrisy, noting Starmer's forceful denunciation of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine while he appears to offer tacit support for Donald Trump's authorised raid on Saturday. The operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, saw US special forces seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and is reported to have resulted in around 40 fatalities, chiefly among Maduro's security detail.
Backlash from the Labour Left
Firebrand MPs, many of whom are allies of former leader Jeremy Corbyn, have launched a concerted campaign to force the Prime Minister's hand. Richard Burgon MP insisted the PM must respond to Trump's "illegal bombing and kidnapping" exactly as he would if Putin had carried it out.
"Either Keir Starmer believes in international law – or he doesn't. You can’t pick and choose," Burgon declared. Clive Lewis MP argued that the UK must stand firmly for the rule of law or admit it no longer believes in it. Meanwhile, Apsana Begum MP warned that the Prime Minister's support for Trump would forever "haunt his legacy".
This rebellion underscores the ongoing tension within Labour. Despite Starmer's efforts to marginalise the hard-left faction, remaining MPs have proven influential, having previously forced U-turns on policies like the two-child benefit cap.
Starmer's Stance and Global Reaction
The Prime Minister, a former human rights lawyer, has prided himself on upholding international law. His initial reaction was cautious, stating he wished to "establish the facts". He later appeared to endorse the outcome, saying the Government would "shed no tears" over the end of the Maduro regime. His Chief Secretary, Darren Jones, repeatedly refused in media interviews to say whether Labour supported Trump's actions or if they were illegal.
Globally, the raid has drawn widespread concern. Nations including France, Germany, and Canada have emphasised the need to respect international law, while the United Nations expressed deep worry. Pope Leo appealed for justice and peace while guaranteeing Venezuelan sovereignty. The Venezuelan army has demanded Maduro's immediate release, condemning US "colonialist ambition".
President Trump has vowed to "run" the oil-rich nation temporarily and warned the country's new interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, of severe consequences if she fails to cooperate. The incident has also stoked fears that other nations, such as Cuba, could be future targets.
