What's happened
On January 3, 2026, the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation. President Trump declared the US would 'run' Venezuela until a 'safe, proper, and judicious transition' occurs. The UK government, led by Keir Starmer, has expressed cautious support for a peaceful transition but refrained from condemning the US action, emphasizing the importance of international law. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended the US move as morally right, while opposition voices called for stronger condemnation.
What's behind the headline?
UK’s Diplomatic Tightrope
The UK government’s response to the US capture of Nicolás Maduro reveals a complex balancing act. While publicly supporting a peaceful transition and international law, officials have avoided outright condemnation of the US operation. This cautious stance reflects the UK's strategic interests, including a multibillion-pound trade deal with the US and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Divergent Political Voices
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s endorsement of the US action as "morally right" and her skepticism of the rules-based international order mark a significant departure from traditional UK foreign policy norms. In contrast, figures like Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee, warn that ignoring international law risks emboldening authoritarian powers like China and Russia.
Implications for International Law and Order
The US operation challenges established norms by abducting a sitting head of state without broad international support or clear legal justification. The UK’s reluctance to condemn the action may weaken the global rules-based order, potentially encouraging similar interventions by other powers.
Forecasting Outcomes
The UK’s diplomatic caution will likely continue as it seeks to maintain the US alliance while managing domestic and international criticism. The situation in Venezuela remains unstable, with uncertainty over Maduro’s successor and the country’s governance. The UK’s position may influence future responses to unilateral military actions by allies, shaping the international community’s approach to sovereignty and intervention.
Impact on UK Citizens
With around 500 UK nationals in Venezuela, the government’s priority remains their safety amid escalating tensions. The broader geopolitical shifts underscore the importance of clear foreign policy principles and the risks of realpolitik overshadowing legal norms.
What the papers say
The Guardian’s John Crace highlights Kemi Badenoch’s unapologetic support for Trump’s operation, noting her dismissal of international law as "so last century" and her belief in power politics. Meanwhile, The Guardian’s Peter Walker and Emily Thornberry emphasize the dangers of setting a precedent that could embolden China and Russia, warning that "international law almost moves on" without condemnation. The Mirror’s Dave Burke and Jessica Elgot in The Guardian provide voices urging the UK government to be firmer in condemning the US action, with Thornberry calling it a breach of international law and a dangerous precedent. Conversely, Conservative figures like Badenoch and Priti Patel focus on Maduro’s illegitimacy and the moral justification for the intervention. Reuters and The Times of Israel detail Trump’s plans to "run" Venezuela temporarily and exploit its oil reserves, underscoring the operation’s geopolitical and economic motivations. Sky News and The Independent report on UK officials’ cautious responses, with Keir Starmer emphasizing the need to establish facts before judgment and the UK distancing itself from direct involvement. This spectrum of coverage reveals a UK political landscape divided between realpolitik pragmatism and adherence to international legal norms.
How we got here
The US launched a covert operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of narco-terrorism and aiming to replace his regime. The UK was not informed beforehand and has since navigated a delicate diplomatic stance, balancing support for international law with maintaining relations with the US amid concerns over sovereignty and legality.
Go deeper
- What is the UK government's official stance on the US operation in Venezuela?
- How has Kemi Badenoch justified her support for the US action?
- What are the international law implications of the US capturing Maduro?
Common question
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What is happening in Venezuela right now?
Recent developments in Venezuela have shocked the region and the world. The US has announced it is taking control of the country following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. This unprecedented move raises many questions about the current situation, regional stability, and what might happen next. Below, we explore the key details and answer the most common questions about this crisis.
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How Did US Forces Capture Maduro in a Night Raid?
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What Are the Latest International Reactions to the US Taking Control of Venezuela and the Libya Plane Crash?
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Why Did the US Intervene in Venezuela in 2026?
In early 2026, the US took unprecedented action by intervening directly in Venezuela, capturing President Maduro and asserting control over the country. This move has sparked widespread questions about US foreign policy motives, regional stability, and the legal implications of such an intervention. Many are asking: what prompted this bold move, and what does it mean for international relations moving forward? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this dramatic development.
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Who Will Lead Libya After the Plane Crash? What’s Next for Venezuela and Maduro?
Recent events in Libya and Venezuela have sent shockwaves through the region. The death of Libya’s military leader in a plane crash raises questions about the country’s future leadership, while the US’s dramatic capture of Venezuela’s Maduro has sparked international debate. Here’s what you need to know about these unfolding stories and what they mean for regional stability and global politics.
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What Does the US Capturing Venezuela's Maduro Mean for Regional Stability?
The recent detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces has sent shockwaves through Latin America and the international community. This unprecedented move raises questions about the future of Venezuela, regional stability, and international law. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this dramatic event and what it could mean moving forward.
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What Are the Global Implications of the US's Actions in Venezuela?
The US's recent military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the detention of President Nicolás Maduro, has sparked widespread international debate. This bold move raises questions about regional stability, US foreign policy, and the future of Latin America. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this unprecedented event and what it could mean for the world.
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