Keir Starmer expressed no sympathy for the collapse of the Maduro regime in Venezuela and stated plans to engage in discussions with Donald Trump regarding the developing situation. Starmer emphasized the UK’s longstanding support for a transition of power in Venezuela and affirmed the country’s view of Maduro as an illegitimate leader.
In a press conference, Trump announced that members of his administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, would oversee the running of Venezuela temporarily. He outlined intentions to utilize Venezuela’s oil reserves to supply other nations with significant quantities of oil.
Trump highlighted Vice President Delcy Rodriguez’s willingness to collaborate with a group of US officials in governing Venezuela and emphasized the objective of making Venezuela prosperous again. The legal basis for the intervention in Venezuela remained unclear, with the White House bypassing congressional approval to safeguard the operation’s integrity, as stated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Rubio defended the operation, asserting that Maduro’s regime was illegitimate and accusing him of leading a drug trafficking organization. Senator Mike Lee supported the action, citing the President’s constitutional authority to protect US personnel from potential threats.
Trump praised the operation’s success and stated intentions to manage Venezuela until a smooth transition of power could occur. He emphasized the need to safeguard American interests and lives, highlighting the operation as a warning to those who might challenge US sovereignty.
Starmer clarified that UK forces were not involved in the assault and expressed a desire to gather facts before making any official statements. Farage offered a different perspective, justifying Trump’s actions as a deterrent to China and Russia, despite concerns about international law violations.
Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats urged Starmer to condemn Trump’s actions, cautioning against unlawful attacks that could endanger global security. The United Nations raised alarm over the US strikes and Maduro’s detention, labeling them as a breach of international law and urging respect for human rights and the rule of law in Venezuela.