Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party, has defended the recent US military raid in Venezuela that led to the removal of President Nicolás Maduro, describing the action as "morally right" despite questions over its legality under international law.
In an interview with the BBC today, Badenoch stated that the world has changed and questioned the robustness of the rules-based international order in dealing with dictators. She drew on her personal experience growing up under a military dictatorship in Nigeria, emphasizing that removing oppressive leaders like Maduro is justified on moral grounds.
"The US action in Venezuela was the right thing to do morally," Badenoch said. "Having lived under a regime where freedoms were curtailed, I understand the human cost of inaction. While legal uncertainties exist, the moral imperative to end suffering and restore democracy cannot be ignored."
The raid, conducted by US forces on Saturday in Caracas, resulted in Maduro's capture and has sparked international debate. Badenoch's comments come amid praise from some quarters for President Donald Trump's decisive intervention, while others criticize it as a violation of sovereignty.