PM says UK will ‘discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts’ after shock capture of Nicolás Maduro
Keir Starmer has issued a statement on X (Image: Getty)
The UK Government will “shed no tears” about the end of Nicolás Maduro’s regime, Sir Keir Starmer said in his first statement since Donald Trump‘s press conference on Saturday. The British Prime Minister took to X to address the “evolving situation” in the Latin American country for the second time.
He wrote: “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.” Referring to his earlier remark on upholding international law, Sir Keir continued: “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.”
Earlier today, Sir Keir said he had not spoken to Mr Trump about the strike on Caracas, which saw Mr Maduro and his wife being captured and reportedly transported to the US, where they face trial.
Caracas had previously denied allegations that Mr Maduro was heading a “narco-terrorist cartel”.
Sir Keir said: “What I can say is that the UK was not involved in any way in this operation, and as you’d expect, we’re focusing on British nationals in Venezuela [and] working very closely with our embassy.
“I want to talk to the president. I will want to talk to allies, but at the moment, I think we need to establish the facts.
“I think President Trump is doing a press conference later, so hopefully more information will come out then.”
As he faced pressure from opposition critics, including the Liberal Democrats and Green Party, to condemn the strike, he added: “I always say and believe we should all uphold international law, but I think at this stage, fast-moving situation, let’s establish the facts and take it from there.”
During Saturday’s press conference, Mr Trump spoke about the overnight operation, saying it did not result in loss of life for the US.
He said the US would “run Venezuela” for the time being, “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”.
Donald Trump said the US will ‘run’ Venezuela for the time being (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir was not the only European leader to comment on the overnight US operation, which saw multiple explosions ring out and low-flying aircraft sweep over Caracas.
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X: “Italy, alongside its main international partner, has never recognised the auto-proclaimed electoral victory of Maduro, condemning his regime’s acts of repression, and has always backed Venezuelans’ aspiration of a democratic transition.
“In accordance with Italy’s historic stance, the government believes an external military action should not the path to follow to end totalitarian regimes, but considers at the same time legitimate an operation of defensive nature against hybrid attacks to its security, as in the case of state entities that fuel and favour narcotrafficking.
“We continue to follow with particular attention the situation of the Italian community in Venezuela, whose security constitutes the government’s absolute priority.”
Emmanuel Macron seemingly did not embrace Mr Trump’s announcement that the US would “run” Venezuela for the time being. The French president said: “The Venezuelan people are today rid of Nicolás Maduro’s dictatorship and can only rejoice.
“By seizing power and trampling on fundamental freedoms, Nicolás Maduro gravely undermined the dignity of his own people. The upcoming transition must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people.
“We wish that President Edmundo González Urrutia, elected in 2024, can swiftly ensure this transition. I am currently exchanging with our partners in the region.
“France is fully mobilised and vigilant, including to ensure the safety of its nationals during these uncertain times.”
