MPs from across UK parties have criticised ministers for their cautious response to the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper facing challenges over their refusal to condemn Donald Trump's actions. The government's reluctance to comment on the legality of the raid has sparked concern that it may embolden China and Russia.
In the Commons on Monday, Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, urged the foreign secretary to call out the abduction as a breach of international law. She was backed by colleagues from the left of Labour, as well as Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs. Richard Burgon, a Labour MP, criticised the prime minister for disregarding the UN charter, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey stated that Maduro's brutality does not give Trump a free pass for illegal action.
Former Conservative foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt warned that the future of Nato could be at risk if allies fail to confront US threats against Greenland. He questioned the level of Foreign Office planning to prevent such a disaster, noting that Europe appears weak and divided from the outside.
Yvette Cooper told the Commons she stressed the importance of international law in her conversation with US counterpart Marco Rubio but declined to label the US action as illegal, saying it was for Washington to justify. Starmer said he wanted to establish the facts before passing judgment, though he robustly defended Denmark against Trump's annexation suggestions, stating Greenland's future is for Denmark and Greenland alone.
Earlier, Home Office minister Mike Tapp faced criticism for refusing to directly condemn a US takeover of Greenland, citing the delicacy of diplomacy. The government's stance comes as Starmer prepares for a meeting of the 'coalition of the willing' on Ukraine, seeking to keep Washington on side amid potential peace talks.
