UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would not say whether recent US military strikes in Venezuela breached international law, arguing that more information is needed before concluding.
Speaking in a broadcast interview on Saturday, Starmer said he would not rush to judgment while details of the operation remain unclear. He stressed his long-standing commitment to international law but said the government must first establish the full facts surrounding the US action.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the United Kingdom played no role in the military operation and stated that he had not yet discussed the matter directly with US President Donald Trump. The strikes reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Later the same day, Starmer said in a social media statement that the UK considers Maduro an illegitimate leader and expressed no regret over the end of his rule. He added that London would engage with Washington in the coming days to discuss the evolving situation and support a peaceful transition to a government chosen by the Venezuelan people.
UK Focused on Citizen Safety
The government said it is in regular contact with the British embassy in Caracas to assist around 500 UK nationals in Venezuela. Officials are monitoring the situation closely and offering advice as events continue to unfold and security conditions remain fluid.
The Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Venezuela. Authorities have urged British citizens already in the country to stay put and be ready to change their plans quickly if the security situation shifts.
“No UK Involvement,” Starmer Says
When asked directly whether the US had breached international law, Starmer reiterated that the situation is fast-moving and that incomplete information prevents a proper legal assessment.
He confirmed that the UK did not take part in the operation and said the government would consult with the US and other international partners. Any discussion of consequences, he added, must be based on verified facts rather than speculation.
Trump Signals US Control During Transition
US President Donald Trump said Washington would oversee Venezuela temporarily until what he described as a “safe and orderly transition” could take place. He confirmed that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were removed from Caracas during the operation.
According to US officials, elite American forces were involved in the mission. Maduro has previously been indicted by US authorities on drug trafficking and weapons-related charges. The U.S. Secretary of State later stated that the administration doesn’t plan to launch any further military operations in Venezuela.
Officials in Washington described the recent action as part of a broader effort to target transnational criminal networks—organizations they say pose a threat to U.S. security through drug trafficking and other illegal enterprises.
Legal Concerns and U.S. Response
Some experts in international law have raised doubts about whether the operation stays within accepted legal limits. They caution that it might push—or even go beyond—the rules that define the laws of armed conflict. The White House dismissed those concerns, insisting that the operation followed the law and targeted criminal groups it says cause serious harm.
Broader Global Tensions
In the interview, Starmer said the global situation has become more unpredictable, but he declined to place responsibility on the US president. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a functional relationship with Washington, saying cooperation with the US remains essential for UK security and global stability.
Senior UK officials later said it was unclear what practical form US oversight of Venezuela would take, noting that further clarification must come from Washington and Venezuelan authorities.
Mixed Political Reaction in the UK
The U.S. move has sparked a range of reactions across Britain’s political scene, with lawmakers offering sharply differing views on how to interpret Washington’s decision. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said it was too early to draw conclusions and urged focus on the views of Venezuelans seeking democratic change.
Opposition figures from multiple parties agreed that Maduro’s rule was authoritarian but differed sharply on whether the US intervention was justified. Some politicians urged the government to condemn the strikes, warning they risk weakening international norms, while others said the action could serve as a deterrent to future aggression by rival powers.
European Union officials said they’re keeping a close eye on the situation and emphasized that everyone involved should uphold the UN Charter and follow international law.
As talks continue, the UK government said it will assess the legal implications and broader impact of the US action once officials have more details.
