UK Distances Self From Venezuela Operation, Prioritises Safety of Nationals
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the United Kingdom is not involved in the reported United States operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, stressing that London’s immediate priority is the safety of British citizens in Venezuela.
Starmer made the clarification on Saturday in a brief interview shared on his official X handle, amid growing international reactions to claims by US President Donald Trump that American forces had captured the Venezuelan leader.
Describing the situation as fluid, the Prime Minister said the UK was still working to verify details surrounding the incident while maintaining close contact with allies.
“The situation in Venezuela is fast moving. We will establish all the facts and speak to allies. Our embassy in Caracas is working to ensure that all British nationals in Venezuela are supported,” Starmer said.
He disclosed that he had not yet spoken directly with President Trump since the announcement, adding that Britain had no role in the operation.
“I haven’t spoken to Trump yet. What I can say is that the UK is not involved in any way in this operation,” he stated.
Starmer further noted that diplomatic engagement would follow once more information becomes available.
“So, I will want to talk to the president. I will talk to allies, but at the moment, I think we need to establish the facts,” he added.
The UK leader’s comments came after Trump announced on Saturday that US authorities had carried out what he described as a “large-scale strike” in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Maduro and his wife.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.”
He said the operation was conducted in collaboration with US law enforcement agencies and promised further details at a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. at Mar-a-Lago.
The development follows months of heightened tension between Washington and Caracas.
Only a few months ago, the US government increased the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, citing allegations of his involvement in international drug trafficking.
As global attention remains fixed on the unfolding situation, the UK government has maintained a cautious stance, emphasizing fact-finding, diplomatic consultation, and consular support for its citizens in Venezuela.
