Keir Starmer emphasized the significance of adhering to international law following the US military strikes in Venezuela on Saturday. President Donald Trump announced the targeting of the Venezuelan leader after multiple explosions rocked Venezuela’s capital earlier in the day. The strikes reportedly hit Fort Tiuna, which houses the Venezuelan ministry of defense, and caused power outages in a southern area of Caracas near a major military base.
During a statement on Saturday, the Prime Minister refrained from criticizing the strikes, stating that the UK was not involved in the operation and was focused on the safety of British nationals in Venezuela. He expressed the need to gather all the facts and indicated a desire to communicate with President Trump and other allies for further clarification.
Keir Starmer declined to denounce President Trump when questioned, stressing the importance of obtaining more information first. He highlighted the necessity of upholding international law while acknowledging the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela.
Addressing British citizens in Venezuela, the PM assured that the UK government was actively working to ensure their well-being and provide necessary support. Reports of explosions and low-flying aircraft in Caracas led to heightened tensions, with smoke observed in various parts of the city.
President Trump later confirmed carrying out “large scale strikes against Venezuela,” claiming to have captured President Maduro and his wife, evacuating them from the country. The bombing of Caracas followed longstanding tensions between the US and Venezuela, with Trump accusing the nation of drug trafficking and indicting President Maduro on narco-terrorism charges in 2020.
Political leaders, including Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats and Zack Polanski of the Green Party, urged the Prime Minister to condemn the US military actions in Venezuela, citing concerns about international law violations and the potential implications on global security.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office advised against all travel to Venezuela, urging British nationals in the country to remain vigilant and have contingency plans in place for any emergencies.