Downing Street set out the UK position on 3 January 2026. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela, regards Nicolás Maduro as illegitimate and “shed no tears” at the end of his rule. He added that London will discuss the developing situation with US counterparts to secure a safe, peaceful transition to a government that reflects the will of Venezuelans, stressing adherence to international law.
The language aligns with existing UK policy. The government recognised Juan Guaidó as interim President in February 2019 and stated in January 2023 that it did not accept the legitimacy of the administration installed by Mr Maduro. Those statements remain the clearest articulation of the UK’s recognition stance.
The Prime Minister’s reference to international law indicates that any external action will be assessed against the UN Charter’s rules. Article 2(4) prohibits the threat or use of force except in self‑defence or when authorised by the Security Council, and recent UK statements have reaffirmed the related non‑intervention principle as a benchmark for judging state conduct.
Policy levers available to ministers are established in UK law. The Venezuela (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, made under the Sanctions and Anti‑Money Laundering Act 2018, enable targeted asset freezes, travel bans and related trade measures against individuals and entities responsible for undermining democracy and human rights. Guidance was updated in March 2025, and the Foreign Secretary announced further listings in January 2025. Any recalibration would proceed through new designations, delistings or licensing decisions.
International coordination is expected to remain central. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK can support statements or resolutions dealing with a transition framework, while engaging regionally as a permanent observer to the Organization of American States. Separately, the International Criminal Court’s Venezuela I investigation into alleged crimes against humanity remains active after judges authorised a resumption in June 2023 and, in March 2024, rejected Venezuela’s appeal.
For UK‑based firms, NGOs and banks, the immediate task is compliance hygiene. Maintain sanctions screening, watch for OFSI and trade sanctions updates, and pause any activity that could breach restrictions until clarity improves. The government’s consolidated guidance sets out licensing routes and reporting duties under the 2019 regime.
For UK nationals, FCDO travel advice continues to warn against all but essential travel to most of Venezuela and against all travel in designated border areas. Airlines may cancel flights at short notice. Those in country should monitor official updates and ensure consular contact details are current.
The policy destination is unchanged: a Venezuelan authority with a credible mandate achieved through free and fair elections that meet international standards. That objective was restated in the 2023 ministerial statement and remains the reference point as London coordinates next steps with Washington.