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The UK has called for a safe and peaceful transition of power in Venezuela after a US operation ordered by President Donald Trump on the South American nation resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
According to media reports, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain has long opposed Maduro’s actions and awaited full details of the strikes conducted by the US. He reiterated support for international law but refused to be drawn further on Trump’s actions over a “fast-moving” situation.
“The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime,” said Starmer, in a statement issued by 10 Downing Street in London.
“I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people,” he said.
In an interview with the BBC on Saturday night, he said the British government was waiting to establish all the facts and speak to allies.
“I then need to speak to President Trump, I need to speak to our allies, but I don’t shy away from this. I’ve been a lifelong advocate of international law and the importance of compliance with international law.”
“But I want to ensure that I’ve got all the facts at my disposal, and we haven’t got that at the moment. And we need to get that before we come to a decision about the consequences in relation to the actions that have been taken,” he said, in response to a question about whether international law may have been broken by the US operation.
“Our embassy in Caracas is working to ensure all British nationals in Venezuela are supported,” he added.
