Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Britain has long criticized Maduro’s actions and is anticipating complete details regarding the strikes carried out by the US. He reaffirmed support for “international law” but declined to elaborate further on Trump’s decisions amid the “fast-moving” scenario.
“The UK has consistently advocated for a change of power in Venezuela. We view Maduro as an illegitimate president, and we do not lament the downfall of his regime,” Starmer commented in a statement released from 10 Downing Street in London.
“I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will engage with US officials in the coming days as we strive for a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government reflecting the will of the Venezuelan populace,” he stated.
In an interview with the BBC on Saturday night, he noted that the British government was working to “establish all the facts and communicate with allies.”
“I then need to confer with President Trump and our allies; I won’t shy away from this. I have always been an advocate for international law and emphasized the necessity of adhering to it.
“However, I want to ensure that I have all relevant information at hand, which we currently do not possess. We must gather those details before making any decisions regarding the repercussions of the actions taken,” he said, when asked if the US operation might have breached international law.
“Our embassy in Caracas is actively working to support all British nationals in Venezuela,” he added.
The UK Foreign Office has since recommended against all travel to the South American nation and advised any British citizens currently residing there to “shelter in place” or “be ready to adjust your plans swiftly if necessary.”
“The UK has consistently denied Nicolas Maduro’s legitimacy and called for a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela. I have communicated with our Chargé in Caracas, and travel advisories have been updated to discourage all travel to Venezuela,” stated UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
“As the Prime Minister has emphasized, we uphold international law. Our primary focus must now be on achieving a bloodless transition to a democratic government in Venezuela that honors the rights and will of its people,” she remarked.
During a media conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump declared that the US would “manage” Venezuela until “a safe, proper, and judicious transition can occur”.
Earlier on Saturday, he stated that Venezuela’s Left-wing President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were evacuated from the capital Caracas in a military operation in cooperation with US law enforcement.
India has expressed “deep concern” over the unfolding events, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stating that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in contact with Indian community members to provide “all possible assistance”.
