Keir Starmer has expressed his lack of sympathy for the collapse of the Maduro government in Venezuela and plans to engage in discussions with Donald Trump regarding the developing situation. Starmer emphasized the UK’s longstanding support for a power transition in Venezuela, labeling Maduro as an illegitimate leader. He reiterated his commitment to international law and stated that the UK government will collaborate with US officials to facilitate a peaceful transition to a legitimate government chosen by the Venezuelan people.
In a press briefing, Trump announced that key members of his administration, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, would oversee the governance of Venezuela temporarily. The US intends to utilize Venezuela’s oil reserves to trade with other nations. Trump indicated that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was willing to cooperate with a group of US individuals to manage the country effectively.
The legal basis for the intervention in Venezuela was not immediately clear, as the White House did not seek congressional approval before the military strikes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision, citing the need to safeguard the operation’s integrity. Rubio and other administration officials worked to justify the intervention, highlighting Maduro’s alleged involvement in criminal activities and emphasizing the need to protect US personnel.
Trump praised the operation as a success, emphasizing its role in curbing drug trafficking. Despite claiming to have control over Venezuela, there were no immediate indications of US administration in the country. State TV in Venezuela continued to broadcast pro-Maduro content, showing his supporters protesting in Caracas.
Keir Starmer clarified that UK forces were not part of the military operation and expressed a cautious approach, stating the need to verify facts before taking a stance. Nigel Farage offered a different perspective, justifying Trump’s actions as a deterrent to other adversarial nations. Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats urged Starmer to denounce Trump’s actions, cautioning against unlawful attacks that could jeopardize global security.
The United Nations expressed deep concern over the US strikes and Maduro’s detention, considering them a breach of international law. The UN called for respect for human rights and the rule of law in Venezuela, emphasizing the potential risks for the region.