1.2 – Political parties
Labour
The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, took a cautious, hedging approach. He declined to directly condemn the US raid, stressing that it was up to the United States to justify its actions and that the situation was “complicated”. Starmer emphasised the need to uphold international law as a framework for government action, though he avoided saying whether he believed the raid itself complied with that law. He reiterated the UK’s long-standing position that Maduro was an illegitimate leader and voiced support for a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela, while also insisting that the UK was not involved in the strikes. Starmer’s measured response drew criticism from within his own party and from other opposition figures, who argued that failure to condemn the seizure of another country’s head of state undermines international norms and could embolden authoritarian powers.
Conservatives
The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, offered one of the more positive UK reactions to the US operation. She declared that, on balance, the arrest of Maduro was “morally right” and questioned the current relevance of the traditional rules-based global order in dealing with autocratic regimes. Badenoch portrayed Maduro’s government as brutal and illegitimate, arguing that removing him could benefit Venezuelans suffering under his rule. While this endorsement was unusual among UK party leaders, other Conservative figures maintained a more cautious line, emphasising the need for legal clarity and careful assessment of the international implications. Badenoch’s stance also reflected broader concerns in the party about global instability and the limits of international law in confronting alleged transnational criminality and authoritarian aggression.
Liberal Democrats
Sir Ed Davey was sharply critical of the USA’s actions, framing it as a breach of international law. He called for greater transparency from the UK government, including the release of any legal advice it had received about the US operation. Davey argued that while Maduro’s regime was deeply flawed and authoritarian, unilateral military actions by powerful states undermine the rules-based order that liberal democracies rely on. He stressed that opposing authoritarianism does not mean endorsing unlawful interventions, warning that acceptance of such actions could erode global norms and make all countries less secure. Davey’s comments were part of broader Lib Dem calls for the UK to rebuke the USA more robustly and affirm its commitment to international legal standards.
Scottish National Party
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, expressed deep concern about the US strikes and subsequent capture of Maduro, urging adherence to international law and diplomacy rather than unilateral military intervention. While acknowledging that Maduro’s regime lacked democratic legitimacy, Swinney questioned how the operation complied with international legal norms and emphasised the need for peaceful, lawful approaches to resolving the crisis in Venezuela. His stance reflected broader SNP support for international legal order and multilateralism, aligning with criticisms from other UK opposition figures about the dangers of powerful states acting without clear legal authority. Swinney’s comments also underscored the Scottish Government’s interest in upholding legal and diplomatic frameworks even when dealing with regimes seen as oppressive.
Reform UK
Nigel Farage offered a distinctive reaction, combining scepticism about the legality of the raid with cautious optimism about its potential geopolitical effects. Farage described the USA’s action as “unorthodox and contrary to international law”, yet suggested that the removal of Maduro might deter actors such as China and Russia from similar behaviour elsewhere. He welcomed the prospect of a new chapter for Venezuela’s people without Maduro’s authoritarian rule, even as he acknowledged the broader concerns about setting a precedent for powerful states to intervene militarily. Farage’s comments reflected his wider foreign policy outlook, which emphasises realpolitik considerations alongside criticism of global norms he sees as outdated.
Green Party
Zack Polanski strongly condemned the American intervention as illegal and a breach of international human rights law. Polanski accused the US president of acting with “impunity” and faulted the UK government, including Starmer, for failing to speak out forcefully against what he described as an unlawful strike. He stressed the importance of state sovereignty and adherence to legal norms, arguing that powerful nations must be held accountable when they violate international law. Polanski’s response also highlighted broader Green Party concerns about militarism and the erosion of international standards, calling on the UK to denounce the raid unequivocally and to prioritise diplomacy and multilateral legal mechanisms.