Daily Politics from the New Statesman Trump kidnaps Maduro, and Starmer says… nothing?
11 snips
Jan 5, 2026 
Emily Thornberry, Labour MP and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, dives into the US's controversial actions in Venezuela, calling them a breach of international law. She discusses the perilous shift towards unilateralism and its impact on global diplomacy. Thornberry also analyzes Keir Starmer's cautious approach to strengthening ties with the EU, advocating for clearer priorities. With insights into UK-US relations and the implications of Trump's foreign policy, the conversation highlights the urgent need for multilateral strategies in a fractious world.
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US Abduction Breaches International Law
- Emily Thornberry frames the US action in Venezuela as a clear breach of international law that the UK should condemn.
- She warns that failing to speak out undermines the post‑WWII rules‑based order and encourages great‑power bullying.
Balance Friendship With Principles
- Thornberry stresses the need to balance close US ties with defending international norms to protect British interests.
- She argues that soft power multilateral coordination is vital to restrain unpredictable US actions under Trump.
Return Of Spheres Of Influence Is Dangerous
- Thornberry sees a return to great‑power spheres of influence and warns this tendency must be resisted.
- She links unilateral actions in Latin America to risks for Europe and Taiwan and urges rule‑based pushback.