London – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, January 3, 2026, declined to condemn the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, stressing that the United Kingdom was "not involved in any way" and that he first needed to "establish the facts" in a "fast-moving situation."
Speaking to reporters outside Downing Street, Starmer was directly asked whether he condemned the strikes, as several UK lawmakers and opposition figures had done. He responded cautiously: "What I can say is that the UK was not involved in any way in this operation, and as you expect, we're focusing on British nationals in Venezuela and working very closely with our embassy."
He added: "I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies... I always say and believe we should uphold international law." Starmer emphasized prioritizing the safety of approximately 500 British citizens in Venezuela, with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) providing consular support and travel advice updates.
The measured tone contrasts with sharper criticisms from other British political figures. Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey called the operation "a reckless violation of international law," urging Starmer to condemn it unequivocally. Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer described it as "imperialist aggression," while some Labour backbenchers expressed concern over potential precedents. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, however, praised the action as "bold leadership" against a "narco-dictatorship."
Starmer's approach reflects the UK's close alliance with the U.S. under NATO and intelligence-sharing frameworks, balanced against traditional British emphasis on multilateralism and UN Charter principles. The government has long refused to recognize Maduro's legitimacy following disputed 2024 elections, aligning with many Western partners in supporting opposition claims.
The comments follow the U.S. "Operation Absolute Resolve," a large-scale airstrike and raid announced by President Donald Trump on Truth Social. Maduro and Flores were extracted from Caracas and transferred to New York, facing superseding narco-terrorism and drug-trafficking charges in the Southern District. Trump stated the U.S. would temporarily oversee Venezuela until a "safe, proper, and judicious transition," involving American companies in oil infrastructure revival.
Venezuelan acting leader Vice President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency, accusing the U.S. of attacking civilian and military sites and demanding "proof of life" for the couple. She insisted Maduro remains the legitimate president.
Global reactions divided sharply. European leaders largely urged restraint and respect for international law, with France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot explicitly calling the operation a violation of the non-use of force principle. Italy's Giorgia Meloni opposed military regime change but acknowledged legitimacy in countering drug threats. Russia, China, Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia condemned sovereignty breaches.
Support came from Argentina's Javier Milei, El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, and others viewing it as advancing democracy. The UN Secretary-General expressed alarm over dangerous precedents.
In the UK, the FCDO updated travel advice warning against all travel to Venezuela, citing risks of unrest. Embassy staff are assisting British nationals, with contingency plans for potential evacuation.
Starmer's refusal to rush judgment allows diplomatic space while signaling commitment to international norms. Analysts suggest he may seek clarification from Trump on legal basis and transition plans, potentially coordinating with EU partners.
As Maduro awaits arraignment and Venezuela faces uncertainty—amid humanitarian crisis, potential refugee flows, and oil market implications—the UK's response highlights transatlantic tensions over unilateral actions versus collective security.
