Prime Minister Keir Starmer has explicitly stated that the United Kingdom played no part in the United States military strikes in Venezuela or the capture of the country's leader, Nicolas Maduro. The operation, which occurred earlier today, has triggered a fast-moving international crisis.
UK Government's Stance and Focus on Nationals
Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg on Saturday, 3 January 2026, Starmer addressed the unfolding situation. He confirmed he had not yet spoken to US President Donald Trump and emphasised the need to establish all facts. "What I can say is that the UK was not involved in any way in this operation," Starmer stated.
The Prime Minister said the immediate priority for the UK government was the safety of British citizens in Venezuela. He confirmed that approximately 500 British nationals are in the country and that officials are working closely with the embassy to safeguard them.
When pressed by Kuenssberg to condemn President Trump's actions, Starmer declined. He reiterated his belief in upholding international law but said, "at this stage, fast-moving situation, let’s establish the facts and take it from there."
Divided Political Reaction in the UK
The US strikes, which the Venezuelan government said targeted capital Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, have prompted strong but contrasting responses from UK political leaders.
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey and Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski both called on Starmer to condemn what they termed an "illegal" action. Davey warned on social media that such "unlawful attacks" make the world less safe and give a "green light" to leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.
In contrast, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage suggested the "unorthodox" US action could act as a deterrent to Russian and Chinese aggression. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said "nobody will shed tears" over the capture of Maduro, whom she described as leading a "brutal and repressive regime."
US Position and Aftermath
In an interview with Fox News, President Trump did not confirm if the US would support Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado to lead the nation. He hailed Maduro's 2024 re-election as a "disgrace" and warned that the capture "sends a signal we’re not going to be pushed around anymore."
The US President also confirmed that Nicolas Maduro and his wife are en route to New York, where Maduro faces multiple drugs and weapons charges. The situation remains fluid, with the UK government maintaining a cautious, fact-finding approach while ensuring the welfare of its citizens caught in the diplomatic crossfire.
