A prominent member of the Labour Party has cautioned that Keir Starmer needs to be more explicit in acknowledging that Donald Trump violated international law in relation to Venezuela, suggesting that it could lead to chaos.
Dame Emily Thornberry, who leads the influential foreign affairs select committee, emphasized the importance of not turning a blind eye to the situation. American forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse Cilia Flores, accusing Maduro of involvement in narcotics and terrorism.
In response to the incident, Minister Mike Tapp stated that it was the responsibility of the United States to present the legal justification for their actions. He declined to comment on whether the UK would denounce a potential incursion into Greenland.
Expressing her disapproval of the US intervention in Venezuela, Dame Emily highlighted the need to adhere to established international norms to avoid disorder and chaos. She raised concerns about the lack of strategic planning following the capture of Maduro, emphasizing the absence of a legal basis for such actions.
Dame Emily stressed the necessity for the UK government to take a stronger stance against the breach of international law and to convey disagreement with the actions taken in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Home Office Minister Mr. Tapp justified the removal of Maduro by highlighting his oppressive regime and human rights violations.
The Home Office minister deferred to the United States to clarify the legal grounds for their operation, emphasizing that the UK and its allies would evaluate the situation independently. When questioned about potential motives behind the operation, Mr. Tapp redirected the focus to Donald Trump’s statements regarding narco-terrorism without speculating on other possible reasons.
