UK 'not involved in any way' in US strike on Venezuela, Starmer says In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the international community, the United States has carried out a military operation targeting the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The move has drawn widespread criticism and condemnation, with many nations expressing concerns about the escalating tensions and the potential for further destabilization in the region. At the center of the controversy is the UK's perceived role in the incident. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced intense scrutiny over whether the British government was involved in or had prior knowledge of the US action. However, in a statement to Parliament, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has categorically denied any UK involvement, stating that the government "was not involved in any way" with the American strike on Venezuela. The US operation, which took place on May 3rd, saw a group of armed individuals attempt to infiltrate Venezuela by sea, with the apparent goal of capturing or assassinating President Maduro. The attempt was swiftly thwarted by Venezuelan security forces, leading to a violent confrontation that resulted in several casualties on both sides. The US government has not officially claimed responsibility for the failed incursion, but numerous reports suggest that the operation was orchestrated and funded by American intelligence agencies. This has prompted widespread condemnation from the international community, with many accusing the US of violating Venezuela's sovereignty and engaging in a blatant act of aggression. In his statement to Parliament, Starmer emphasized that the UK government had no prior knowledge or involvement in the US operation. "The Prime Minister has made it clear that the UK was not involved in any way with this attempted incursion into Venezuela," he said. "We condemn any attempts to undermine the democratic institutions and the rule of law in that country." The Labour leader's comments come amid growing concerns about the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. The two countries have been at loggerheads for years, with the US backing opposition leader Juan Guaidó's claim to the presidency and imposing crippling economic sanctions on the Maduro government. The latest incident has further strained relations between the two nations, with Venezuela's Foreign Minister, Jorge Arreaza, accusing the US of "state terrorism" and calling for international intervention. "This is an act of aggression that violates international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter," Arreaza said in a statement. The UK's decision to distance itself from the US operation has been widely praised by international observers, who see it as a necessary step to maintain the country's diplomatic credibility and avoid being drawn into a potentially dangerous conflict. However, some have questioned whether the government could have done more to prevent the incident or to mitigate its consequences. In his response, Starmer acknowledged the complexities of the situation and the need for a measured and diplomatic approach. "While we condemn the actions of the Maduro government, we also believe that the solution to the crisis in Venezuela must be a peaceful and political one," he said. "The UK will continue to work with our international partners to find a diplomatic resolution to this conflict." The fallout from the US operation is likely to be far-reaching, with both Venezuela and the wider region facing the prospect of further instability and unrest. As the international community scrambles to respond, the role of the UK in this complex geopolitical landscape will undoubtedly come under close scrutiny. Ultimately, the UK's stance on the Venezuela crisis will be a critical test of its foreign policy and its ability to navigate the shifting sands of global politics. With tensions high and the potential for further escalation, the government will need to tread carefully and maintain a delicate balance between its strategic interests and its commitment to international law and human rights.