British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stopped short of condemning recent military strikes by the United States in Venezuela, stating he needs to assemble "all the material facts" before making a judgment. This cautious stance marks a contrast to his unequivocal condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
A 'Fast Moving' Situation: Starmer's Cautious Response
During an interview with the BBC, Starmer was pressed by a journalist to denounce the US action, which was described as an attack on a sovereign nation. The journalist drew a direct parallel to Russia's war in Ukraine, a conflict Starmer has consistently and clearly condemned.
When asked, "What about President Trump's attack on the sovereign country of Venezuela?" Starmer emphasised the evolving nature of the events. "Well, at the moment, it's a fast moving situation," he stated. Upon further questioning, he reiterated his position, saying, "I want to get all the material facts together and we simply haven't got the full picture at the moment."
No UK Involvement, Focus on Citizen Safety
The Prime Minister was explicitly clear about the United Kingdom's role—or lack thereof—in the operation. "I can be really clear with you that there was no UK involvement in this operation," Starmer told the BBC. He added that his government's immediate priority was ensuring the safety of British nationals in Venezuela through its embassy channels.
Commitment to International Law vs. Need for Verification
Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, affirmed his long-standing commitment to the principles of international law but maintained that any official response must be based on verified information. "I've been a lifelong advocate of international law and the importance of compliance with international law," he said.
However, he stressed the need for due diligence: "But I want to ensure that I've got all the facts at my disposal… before we come to a decision about the consequences in relation to the actions that have been taken." This careful approach underscores the diplomatic tightrope Western leaders often walk when dealing with actions by a key ally like the United States.
The US action, which reportedly included strikes and the capture of deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, has created a complex international scenario. Starmer's measured response highlights the challenges of formulating foreign policy in real-time during rapidly unfolding crises, balancing principle with pragmatism and the need for definitive evidence.
