UK Distances From US Operation in Venezuela Strike

LONDON 

The United Kingdom has moved swiftly to distance itself from the United States following Washington’s dramatic military operation in Venezuela, making clear it played no role in the strike and had no prior knowledge of the mission that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told reporters that the UK was not involved in the planning, execution, or decision-making behind the U.S. action. Describing the situation as “fast-moving and highly complex,” Starmer said the government is focused on establishing the full facts and maintaining close diplomatic contact with allies, including the White House, before offering any definitive legal or political judgment.

Downing Street stressed that while Britain has long questioned the legitimacy of Maduro’s government and has supported democratic change in Venezuela, that position does not automatically translate into support for unilateral military action. A government spokesperson said any assessment of whether international law had been breached was “a matter for the United States to explain,” underlining the UK’s cautious approach.

At the heart of Britain’s response is a careful balance: avoiding a direct public clash with its closest security ally while reaffirming its commitment to international law and the principles of state sovereignty. When pressed repeatedly on whether the U.S. operation violated international law, senior ministers declined to give a clear yes or no, instead pointing to the need for international legal processes to examine the issue.

The UK’s stance has also been reflected at the United Nations, where diplomats have signalled that Britain is unlikely to back any resolution directly condemning the United States. Instead, officials are expected to push for language emphasising restraint, legality, and a peaceful political transition in Venezuela. British representatives have reiterated concerns about the humanitarian and political crisis in the country, while stopping short of endorsing the means used by Washington.

Domestically, the government’s measured tone has sparked debate. Some Labour MPs and opposition voices have called for a stronger denunciation of the U.S. action, warning it could set a dangerous precedent for international relations. Others argue that Starmer’s approach protects the UK’s strategic interests while leaving room for diplomacy.

Public opinion appears similarly divided. Polling suggests many Britons disapprove of the U.S. operation, even while holding little sympathy for Maduro himself, reinforcing the political sensitivity of the issue.

For now, Britain’s message is one of distance and deliberation: not involved, not informed, and not rushing to judgment. As global scrutiny of the U.S. operation intensifies, the UK is positioning itself as a cautious observer committed to international law, wary of escalation, and intent on keeping diplomatic channels open in an increasingly volatile situation.

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