'Uphold international law': Starmer responds to Maduro's capture, clarifies UK 'wasn't involved' in military op

In the midst of global shock over the United States’ military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was quick to clarify London’s stance, saying the UK had no part in the action.

The operation, which included airstrikes and the extraction of Maduro and his wife from the Venezuelan capital, has dominated international headlines and drawn sharp reactions from world leaders. But at home, Starmer made it clear that Britain was not involved “in any way” in what unfolded.

Speaking to reporters in London, Starmer described the situation as “fast-moving” and said that he wanted to establish the facts before making any firm judgments about the US action.

“What I can say is that the UK was not involved in any way in this operation,” he said, adding that the British government was focusing on the safety of around 500 British nationals in Venezuela and working closely with the UK embassy there.

Starmer made it clear he had not yet spoken with US President Donald Trump and planned to do so, as well as consult with allies, before offering any detailed response. “I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies,” he said.

The prime minister also reiterated Britain’s longstanding commitment to international norms, saying: “I always say and believe we should all uphold international law.”

Debate erupts in the UK

Starmer’s careful approach stood in contrast to reactions from other British political figures. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the prime minister to condemn what he called “Trump’s illegal action in Venezuela,” warning that such steps could embolden other world leaders to act without regard for international law.

Meanwhile, Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, described the US move as “unorthodox and contrary to international law,” but suggested it might make global powers like China and Russia think twice before acting in similar ways.