Keir Starmer expressed no sympathy for the fall of the Maduro government in Venezuela and indicated plans to confer with Donald Trump about the developing situation.
Starmer emphasized the UK’s longstanding backing for a change in leadership in Venezuela, labeling Maduro as an unauthorized President. He stressed the UK’s commitment to international law and its intention to engage with US officials for a peaceful transition to a legitimate government aligned with the desires of the Venezuelan population.
During a press briefing, Trump declared that key members of his cabinet, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, would oversee Venezuela temporarily. He mentioned utilizing the country’s substantial oil resources for trade with other nations.
Detailing the strategy for the US control of Venezuela, Trump suggested that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was cooperative in working with a “group” of US representatives to manage the country effectively.
The justification for the intervention and assumption of power in a sovereign state was not immediately clarified. The White House took action without congressional approval, citing the need to safeguard the operation’s integrity.
Rubio, supporting the operation, asserted that Maduro’s regime was illegitimate due to his alleged ties to criminal activities. He briefed Republican lawmakers on the legality of the mission.
Trump boasted about the operation’s success, describing it as a significant achievement in combating the influx of drugs into the US.
Although Trump announced intentions for the US to oversee Venezuela temporarily, there were no immediate signs of American governance in the country. Venezuelan state media continued to broadcast pro-Maduro content amid street protests in Caracas.
Starmer confirmed that UK forces were not involved in the operation and expressed a cautious approach, seeking clarification from Trump to ascertain the facts.
Farage defended Trump’s actions as a deterrent to countries like China and Russia while urging a fresh start for the Venezuelan people post-Maduro.
The Liberal Democrats’ leader, Ed Davey, criticized Trump’s actions as unlawful and potentially setting a dangerous precedent for global security.
The United Nations voiced deep concerns over the US actions in Venezuela, labeling them as a violation of international law and urging respect for human rights and the rule of law in the region.