The UK’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, Dame Emily Thornberry, has condemned the US military action in Venezuela, stating that it breached international law. The action, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, has been criticized by various UK politicians. Thornberry emphasized that the US must be held to the same standards as other countries, citing the need to prevent international anarchy.
The UK government has not explicitly stated whether the US action was illegal, instead calling on the US to provide a legal justification for its actions. However, Labour MPs, as well as leaders of the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and SNP, have criticized the US strikes. The opposition parties are urging the government to condemn the action, with Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey warning that “unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe.”
The US operation, which was carried out in conjunction with law enforcement, has resulted in Maduro and his wife facing weapons and drug charges in New York. US officials allege that they made money from a violent group that smuggled cocaine into the US, a claim that Maduro has denied.
The situation has sparked concerns about the precedent it may set for other countries, particularly Russia and China. Thornberry warned that the US action could encourage these countries to behave in a similar manner, citing the potential for them to claim spheres of influence and disregard international law.
The UN Security Council, which includes the UK, is scheduled to meet to discuss the US action. The UK government is expected to make a statement on the matter, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer having previously stated that he wants to wait until all the facts are clear before deciding if the strikes were illegal. The situation remains complex, with the UK and its allies awaiting further clarification from the US before making a decision.
