US Action in Venezuela Broke International Law, Says UK MP Emily Thornberry
Senior UK Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry has described the recent US-led military action in Venezuela as a clear breach of international law, insisting that the United Kingdom should unequivocally condemn the operation.
Dame Emily is the most senior Labour figure so far to publicly criticise former US President Donald Trump following weekend airstrikes that culminated in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, PulseNets learnt.
The UK government has stopped short of declaring the operation illegal, instead maintaining that Washington must formally explain the legal justification for its actions. However, the strikes have triggered sharp criticism across the political spectrum, including from Labour backbenchers and leaders of the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and the Scottish National Party.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Westminster Hour, Dame Emily said the operation lacked any lawful basis. She stressed that “this was not a legal action, and I genuinely cannot think of anything that could amount to a proper justification.”
She argued that Britain and its allies must take a principled stance, warning that “we cannot tolerate breaches of international law like this. We cannot return to a world governed by the law of the jungle.”
Drawing comparisons with other global conflicts, she added: “We rightly condemn Vladimir Putin when he does this. We must be equally clear that Donald Trump should not be doing it either. People cannot simply act however they please. That kind of international anarchy is deeply dangerous.”
Dame Emily further warned that the US action could embolden other global powers, particularly Russia and China. According to her, “there is a growing belief shared by Trump, Putin, and Xi that powerful states are entitled to their own spheres of influence, where they can act without restraint.”
She continued: “Putin could easily argue that Ukraine falls within his sphere, and Xi could make the same claim about Taiwan. This sets an extremely worrying precedent and undermines the entire international rules-based system.”
Only a limited number of Labour MPs have so far publicly stated that the US breached international law, though PulseNets reported that more criticism is expected when the foreign secretary addresses Parliament.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has so far avoided direct criticism of the strikes, despite making his relationship with Donald Trump a key pillar of his foreign policy approach. Speaking to the BBC, Starmer said he would wait for all available facts before reaching a legal conclusion, while reaffirming that he is a “lifelong advocate of international law.”
Home Office Minister Mike Tapp adopted a firmer tone against the former Venezuelan leader, telling PulseNets that Maduro was “an evil and illegitimate dictator who tortured his own people.” He claimed Venezuela was “a safer place now that he is no longer in power.”
Tapp added: “What must happen next is a democratic, peaceful, and secure transition of power. The UK has been absolutely clear that we will always act in accordance with international law.”
Describing the situation as complex, he reiterated that “it is for the United States to clearly set out the legal basis for what it has done.” He also confirmed that the UK would consult closely with the US and its allies before taking a final position.
PulseNets obtained confirmation that the UN Security Council, of which the UK is a permanent member, is scheduled to meet to discuss the US action in Venezuela.
Opposition parties have intensified calls for the government to formally condemn the strikes. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey acknowledged that Maduro was “a brutal and illegitimate dictator,” but cautioned that “unlawful military actions like this ultimately make the world less safe.”
Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski said the operation clearly violated international law, while SNP leader John Swinney stressed that “it is absolutely essential that all nations operate within the international rules-based system.”
The Conservative Party has urged restraint, arguing that conclusions should not be drawn prematurely. Shadow minister Alex Burghart said it was “entirely understandable” that the US would want to act against the Venezuelan regime.
He added: “Regardless of what international lawyers may conclude, Maduro himself had been disregarding international law for a very long time.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also weighed in, describing the operation as “unorthodox and contrary to international law,” but suggesting it could have a deterrent effect on China and Russia.
Also Read: Trump Declares U.S. Will Run Venezuela After Maduro’s Capture, Bypasses Congress
Maduro and his wife were removed from Caracas in a joint US military and law enforcement operation, PulseNets learnt. They are now facing weapons and narcotics-related charges in New York, with US officials alleging they profited from a violent cartel involved in cocaine trafficking.
Maduro has denied all allegations, insisting the charges are a pretext to forcibly remove him from office. Donald Trump has since declared that he will “run the country” until a “proper transfer of power” takes place. Venezuela’s Vice-President, Delcy Rodríguez, is expected to assume the role of interim president.
