British Cabinet Minister Kemi Badenoch has stated that the United Kingdom is paying very close attention to the rapidly evolving political crisis in Venezuela. This follows the announcement by United States President Donald Trump of a military operation that reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
UK's Cautious Stance on a Fast-Moving Situation
In a detailed post on the social media platform X, Badenoch described the situation as fast-moving and extremely serious. She emphasised that the UK government would not rush to judgment or speculate based on incomplete information. The minister outlined the British government's responsibility as being to first understand the emerging facts, assess national interests, and carefully consider the potential consequences for the people of Venezuela, as well as for regional and global stability.
"There’s a lot of noise from people who couldn’t find Venezuela on a map yesterday," Badenoch wrote, suggesting that many commentators lacked proper context. She stressed that priority should be given to the views of Venezuelans themselves, particularly those risking their lives in pursuit of democratic change.
International Reactions and the US Announcement
The remarks from the UK minister came directly after US President Donald Trump's announcement on 4 January 2026. Trump stated that American forces had executed a military operation in Venezuela, coordinated with US law enforcement agencies. He claimed the operation resulted in the capture of President Maduro, who would now face criminal proceedings in the United States.
In London, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer clarified that the UK was not involved in the US military action and underscored the importance of respecting international law. The UK government is working to establish the full facts and is monitoring the safety of British nationals currently in Venezuela.
A Divided Global Response and What Comes Next
The international response to the reported US operation has been mixed. Some governments have expressed deep concern over issues of national sovereignty and the use of military force, while others have focused on the potential implications for resolving Venezuela's prolonged political and economic crisis.
President Trump further announced that the United States would be involved in running the country until conditions are established for a proper democratic process. Badenoch indicated that the UK would await further clarity from both the US administration and Venezuela's democratic opposition before drawing final conclusions or outlining a formal policy response.
"It is not for us to second guess from afar the motives and evidence behind these events. Let’s hear what President Trump has to say shortly. I will also be watching closely what is said by Venezuela’s democratic opposition," Badenoch stated, highlighting the UK's wait-and-see approach.
Nicolás Maduro, who has held power since 2013, has long been in conflict with Washington. The US has previously accused his government of corruption and drug trafficking, imposing extensive sanctions on the South American nation, accusations Maduro has consistently rejected as politically motivated.
