UK's Starmer seeks talks with Trump to clarify details on US strikes on Venezuela

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom was not involved in US strikes on Venezuela early on January 3 and stressed the importance of upholding international law, adding that he wanted to speak directly to US President Donald Trump to understand what had occurred.

Asked whether he condemned the US action, as leaders of Britain’s left-leaning Liberal Democrat and Green parties have done by calling it unlawful, Starmer said he first wanted to establish the facts, Reuters reports. 

"It's obviously a fast-moving situation and we need to establish all the facts," he said in a statement to British broadcasters.

Trump said in a post on social media early on January 3 that US forces had captured Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and removed him from the country. Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez later said she did not know Maduro’s location or whether he was still alive.

"I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies. I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved ... and I always say and believe we should all uphold international law," Starmer added.

Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, which is currently leading in opinion polls, said he believed the US actions breached international law, but suggested there could be strategic benefits.

Britain’s Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Venezuela.

By Sabina Mammadli