UK Minister Warns Global Order 'Crumbling' After Maduro Arrest

Britain's top health official has issued a stark warning: the global system of international rules is "disintegrating" before our eyes, posing a direct threat to UK safety. This alarming assessment comes in the wake of the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, articulated his deep concern, describing the international rules-based order as "creaking at the seams" and now actively "disintegrating." He stressed that a world devoid of these established norms is inherently less secure for everyone, including Britain, and represents a real worry for the government and national interests. Streeting also highlighted the need for Europe to bolster its own intelligence and defence capabilities in this unstable climate. While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, he defended Prime Minister Keir Starmer's measured response. Starmer, he explained, is prioritising safeguarding UK national interests and ensuring the Venezuelan people can freely choose their own future, rather than offering immediate criticism of the US actions. The Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro, recently pleaded not guilty in New York to charges of drugs and weapons offences following his capture. In a contrasting take, former US President Donald Trump hailed the weekend operation as "brilliant," even suggesting it could serve as a model for similar actions across Latin America. Adding another layer to the debate, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch offered a different perspective. She argued the raid was "morally the right thing to do," challenging those who invoked international law by pointing to alleged prior invasions of Venezuela by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. Badenoch questioned where the concern for international law was then, when these purported incursions occurred. As the international landscape continues to shift, the UK government finds itself navigating a complex and increasingly unpredictable world. The stark warnings from within the cabinet underscore a growing anxiety about the future of global stability and Britain's place within it. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.theguardian.com | Read original article