The Foreign Secretary has set out the UK’s Venezuela policy in Parliament after fast-moving developments involving US action and the reported detention of Nicolás Maduro. The statement confirmed the UK was not involved in the US operation and outlined immediate priorities for British nationals, stability in the region, and support for a democratic transition.
The Foreign Secretary told the House of Commons that the United States conducted air strikes on Venezuelan targets over the weekend and reported the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. She said the UK was not involved in the operation and that the government is in contact with international partners.
Introduction
The Foreign Secretary delivered a statement in the House of Commons on 5 January 2026 on the situation in Venezuela following US military action and announcements made by the United States.
She confirmed the UK’s diplomatic mission in Caracas remains operating, and set out the government’s approach to protecting British nationals while engaging with partners on next steps.
Context of recent events in Venezuela
The statement followed US air strikes on a series of Venezuelan targets and the US announcement that Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured. The Foreign Secretary said the UK was monitoring developments closely and emphasised that the situation has international and regional implications.
The government said it is focused on avoiding further instability, criminality or violence in Venezuela, and on supporting conditions for a peaceful transition that reflects the will of Venezuelan people and aligns with international law.
- US action reported over the weekend
- Immediate risks to stability and security
- UK focus on peaceful transition
UK involvement and international coordination
The Foreign Secretary told MPs the UK was not involved in the US operation and said the government is in close contact with international partners. She said she discussed developments with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the weekend.
She also said the UK will continue to urge partners to comply with international law, while noting that the legal basis for US actions is for the United States to set out and that the UN Security Council was discussing Venezuela on 5 January 2026.
Safety of British nationals and travel advice
The Foreign Secretary said the UK’s Chargé d’affaires in Caracas had confirmed all embassy staff were safe and accounted for. She said officials are supporting around 500 British nationals in Venezuela.
The government said UK travel advice continues to advise against all travel to Venezuela and that British nationals in-country should follow official travel advice updates.
- Embassy staff confirmed safe and operational
- Support in place for British nationals in Venezuela
- Travel advice remains against all travel
Assessment of the Maduro regime
The Foreign Secretary described Venezuela as affected by organised criminal activity and corruption, and said these dynamics undermine security across the region. She referenced concerns about illicit finance, sanctions evasion, narcotics trafficking, and illegal gold trading.
She also pointed to long-running political and economic deterioration, including displacement of Venezuelans to other countries and impacts on regional stability, including for UK Overseas Territories.
Democratic process and human rights concerns
The statement referenced international reporting and investigations into alleged abuses, including the International Criminal Court’s investigation into possible crimes against humanity. The Foreign Secretary also referred to UN reporting on detentions, torture, killings, and the use of firearms against protestors.
She told the House that the official results of the July 2024 presidential elections had not been published and described restrictions placed on opposition figures, including María Corina Machado and Edmundo González.
UK policy and diplomatic approach
The Foreign Secretary said successive UK governments have refused to recognise Maduro’s regime since 2019 and have criticised human rights violations. She said the UK has maintained a diplomatic mission in Caracas and continues dialogue and contact with opposition groups and civil society while advocating for British interests.
She also referenced UK sanctions measures, including targeting individuals, and said the UK has not supported sector-wide sanctions, blockades, or strikes against drug boats.
UK measures and posture
| Diplomatic presence | UK maintains a mission in Caracas to support British interests and sustain dialogue. |
| Recognition stance | The UK has refused to recognise Maduro’s regime since 2019. |
| Sanctions approach | Targeted sanctions on individuals linked to undermining democracy and human rights violations. |
| Regional priorities | Support stability in the region, including UK Overseas Territories, and uphold international law. |
Commitment to international law and allies
The Foreign Secretary said the government’s foreign policy is guided by a commitment to international law and that this is in the UK’s national interest. She said these principles shape how the UK works with allies and how it raises compliance issues in discussions with partners.
She told MPs she raised the importance of complying with international law in her discussions with Secretary Rubio and said the UK will continue to urge partners to do so.
Path towards democratic transition
The government said the international community must support a transition to a democratic government that respects rights and reflects the will of Venezuelans. The Foreign Secretary said priorities include action on the economic crisis, the release of political prisoners, the return of opposition politicians, an end to repression, and plans for free and fair elections.
She urged acting President Delcy Rodriguez to take steps towards these outcomes and said the UK’s immediate focus is preventing a deterioration into further instability or violence.
Transition priorities set out to Parliament
| Security and stability | Avoid further violence, criminality, and instability affecting Venezuela and the wider region. |
| Democratic pathway | Support conditions for free and fair elections and a government reflecting the will of Venezuelans. |
| Human rights | Press for an end to political repression and respect for human rights, including the release of political prisoners. |
| Economic steps | Support action to address the economic crisis as part of stabilisation and recovery. |
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary said;
“I can confirm to the House that the UK was not involved in these operations.”
“The first duty of government is the safety and security of our citizens, and my Department is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of British Nationals.”
“Those principles guide the decisions that we make and the actions that we take as part of Britain’s foreign policy.”
In A Nutshell
The Foreign Secretary told MPs the UK is prioritising the safety of British nationals, continued diplomatic engagement, and close coordination with international partners. The government said it will support a peaceful democratic transition that reflects the will of Venezuelans and aligns with international law.
The UK will continue to monitor developments, update travel advice, and press for stability, human rights, and steps towards free and fair elections.
Sources: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
