Starmer Dodges Law Breach Query: UK Backs Maduro Ouster, Eyes Facts on U.S. Strikes
London, UK, 04 January (H.S.): British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declined to opine on whether U.S. President Donald Trump''s military strikes on Venezuela contravened international law during a BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg interview on J
Sir Keir Starmer In an interview with the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme


London, UK, 04 January (H.S.): British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declined to opine on whether U.S. President Donald Trump's military strikes on Venezuela contravened international law during a BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg interview on January 3, 2026, stressing the need to ascertain all facts amid the fast-evolving crisis that felled Nicolás Maduro.

A lifelong proponent of international law, Starmer affirmed no UK involvement whatsoever and anticipated discussions with Trump and allies, while posting on X that the UK views Maduro as illegitimate, sheds no tears over his regime's demise, and pursues a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government reflecting Venezuelan will.

The Foreign Office urges against all travel to Venezuela, advising roughly 500 British nationals there to shelter in place and stay embassy-linked.Cautious Stance Amid VolatilityIt's fast moving, and we need to piece that together... I need to speak to President Trump, I need to speak to our allies, but I don't shy away from this, Starmer articulated, underscoring compliance imperatives without premature judgment on the Delta Force-orchestrated raid capturing Maduro and wife Cilia Flores for New York narco-terrorism trials.

He characterized the global landscape as more volatile than in decades, yet affirmed rapport with Trump: I do get on with President Trump, positioning UK-U.S. ties resilient despite partisan pressures.

Political Spectrum Reactions

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch eschewed hasty verdicts, prioritizing Venezuelan democrats' voices over armchair critics, while shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel welcomed Maduro's removal sans tears, advocating democratic freedoms post-facts.

SNP's John Swinney deemed Maduro illegitimate yet insisted on rules-based adherence; Lib Dem chief Sir Ed Davey and Green co-leader Zack Polanski assailed the strikes as unlawful endangering global safety, greenlighting Putin and Xi.

Reform UK's Nigel Farage lauded the unorthodox operation as potential deterrent; EU diplomat Kaja Kallas monitored closely, invoking UN Charter respect.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar


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