In the wake of dramatic developments in Venezuela, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom would “shed no tears” over the end of Nicolás Maduro’s regime and described Maduro as an “illegitimate” leader, while underscoring Britain’s commitment to international law and clarifying that the UK was not involved in the United States’ military operation.

The comments came after U.S. forces conducted strikes in Caracas and announced the capture and removal of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, actions described by U.S. officials as aimed at countering narco-trafficking and restoring stability.

Starmer said Britain has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela and welcomed any peaceful shift toward a government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.

He reiterated his support for international legal norms and said the UK would engage in discussions with United States counterparts to seek a safe, orderly transition to legitimate governance.

The prime minister also stressed the need to establish all facts around the unfolding situation before commenting further and said he intended to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump and allies.

Starmer’s statement emphasised that Britain had no involvement in the U.S. strikes and is focused on upholding international law and ensuring the safety of British nationals in Venezuela.

His remarks reflect longstanding British concerns about Maduro’s leadership, which the UK government has previously characterised as lacking legitimacy amid disputed elections and human rights abuses.

International reactions to the U.S. operation have been mixed, with some governments urging political solutions and respect for international law, while others have weighed in on the broader implications for regional stability and sovereignty.