Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has defended the recent US military action in Venezuela as "morally right," despite acknowledging legal uncertainties around the operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power. Her position marks a stark contrast with opposition parties calling for the UK government to condemn the US intervention as illegal.
US forces seized Maduro and his wife from their home in Caracas on Saturday in a middle-of-the-night military operation that included strikes on military bases. The Venezuelan leader was taken to New York, where he has been charged with weapon and drug offenses. He pleaded not guilty on Monday and claimed prisoner of war status.
Badenoch told the BBC Radio 4's Today programme: «Where the legal certainty is not yet clear, morally, I do think it was the right thing to do.» She described the action as "extraordinary" and said she was «glad he's gone,» citing Maduro's «brutal regime.»
The Conservative leader drew on her personal experience, stating: «I grew up under a military dictatorship, so I know what it's like to have someone like Maduro in charge.»
UK Government's Careful Balance
The UK government has avoided directly criticizing the US action or declaring it illegal. Instead, officials have labeled Maduro an «illegitimate president» while calling on the US to explain the legal basis for the military intervention.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended Prime Minister Keir Starmer's measured response on BBC Breakfast, saying it represents the «best interests of the people of Venezuela.» He acknowledged other voices have been «more strident» but argued: «The prime minister has a different responsibility, and he is choosing his words carefully and wisely to try and influence how events unfold from here on.»
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reminded her US counterpart Marco Rubio of international law obligations on Monday evening in the House of Commons, while reiterating the Prime Minister's position.
Opposition Calls for Condemnation
Labour MPs, Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and the SNP have all called for the government to condemn Trump's actions as illegal. Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, warned the US action could embolden Russia and China, urging the UK to explicitly state the operation violated international law.
The US intervention potentially breaches Article 2 of the UN Charter, which states members should refrain from "the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state."
Venezuela vs Greenland Distinction
Badenoch drew a clear line between the Venezuela operation and Donald Trump's recent threats to annex Greenland. She told the Press Association there is a «big difference between going into a gangster state and taking the leader of a brutalist regime versus a democratic place like Greenland.»
On Greenland, the semi-autonomous Danish territory Trump claims is vital for US national security, Badenoch stated: «What happens in Greenland has got to be up to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark is a Nato ally. We stand by them.»
NATO Message to Trump
Badenoch used the opportunity to remind Trump of NATO's importance. «When America had its problems in the Middle East, Nato stood beside them. It is now time for them to stand with Nato,» she said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any attempt to forcibly take over Greenland would end the NATO military alliance.
Trump has vowed to "run the country" until a "proper" transition of power in Venezuela. Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as interim president following Maduro's removal.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
