Next, the FTSE-100 retail behemoth is among a pack of suitors considering a new year swoop to buy LK Bennett, the struggling fashion retailer.
Sky News has learnt that Next is weighing a cut-price offer to buy LK Bennett’s brand and other intellectual property assets as it prepares to call in administrators.
Retail industry sources said that Next was unlikely to pursue any offer involving LK Bennett’s small estate of retail outlets.
Marks & Spencer and TFG London, the group that owns Phase Eight, White Stuff, and Hobbs, were also among the parties tipped by analysts as contenders to consider the acquisition of the ailing brand.
An offer from Next,
An offer from Next would mirror its strategy of acquiring distressed retailers in recent years.
It has bought brands such as Cath Kidston, Joules and Seraphine, a maternity wear retailer, while it is currently examining the purchase of family-owned footwear retailer Russell & Bromley.
LK Bennett filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators earlier this week, ten days after Sky News revealed that the company faced collapse as it urgently sought a buyer.
Founded by Linda Bennett in 1990, LK Bennett has been working with advisers at Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) in recent weeks.
At one stage, LK Bennett was one of the most recognisable brands on the high street, expanding to 200 branded outlets in the UK and overseas markets, including China, Russia, and the US.
In its home market, it now trades with just nine standalone stores, with a further 13 listed as concessions on its website.
The brand is currently owned by Byland UK, a company established in 2019 for the purpose of rescuing LK Bennett from a previous brush with insolvency.
Byland UK was formed by Rebecca Feng, who ran LK Bennett’s Chinese franchises.
At the time of that deal, Ms Feng said: Ms Feng said, “Under our plan, the business will continue to operate out of the UK, looking to maintain the long-standing and undoubted heritage of the brand.
“We will achieve this through a combination of working with quality British design and the business’s existing supply chain.”
Accounts for LK Bennett Fashion for the period ended January 27, 2024, show the company made a post-tax loss of £3.5m on turnover of £42.1m.
The figures showed a steep decline in sales from £48.8m in 2023.
Ms. Bennett founded the eponymous chain by opening a store in Wimbledon, southwest London, in 1990, and she promised to “bring a bit of Bond Street to the high street.”
Her eye for design earned her the nickname ‘queen of the kitten heel’ and saw her products worn by the Princess of Wales and Theresa May, the former prime minister.
In 2008, Ms Bennett sold the business for an estimated £100m to a consortium led by the private equity firm Phoenix Equity Partners.
She retained a stake and then bought back the remaining equity in 2017.
The company’s administration in 2019 resulted in the closure of 15 stores.
Next declined to comment, but an M&S spokeswoman stated that the company was not considering a bid for LK Bennett.
Many who attended US President Donald Trump’s news conference on Saturday were probably expecting to hear dramatic details of how US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in an early-morning raid.
But arguably the most surprising moment came when Trump announced that, now that Maduro is in custody, the US will run Venezuela “until we have a safe, just, and prudent transition.”
In another unexpected development, he said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been talking to Maduro’s Vice President, Delsey Rodríguez, who he said was “essentially ready to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again”.
However, Rodríguez appeared less than cooperative at her press conference later, where she condemned Maduro’s detention as a kidnapping and insisted that Venezuela would not become a colony.
Given these conflicting messages, many are asking who is now in charge in Venezuela.
Under the Constitution of Venezuela, the Vice President is responsible for assuming office when the President is absent.
So, at first glance, the decision by the Venezuelan Supreme Court that Delcy Rodriguez was the country’s acting president seems to be a logical step.
But most Venezuela watchers expected the immediate aftermath of the US intervention to look different.
The US – and several other countries – did not recognise Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela after he called the 2024 election rigged.
Maduro was declared president by Venezuela’s Electoral Council (CNE), a body dominated by government loyalists.
But the CNE never presented detailed poll data to support its claim and copies of the polling data collected by the opposition and reviewed by the Carter Center showed that opposition candidate Edmundo González had won by a landslide.
Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images
Edmundo González stood in for María Corina Machado after she was barred from running in the elections
In view of this, the US and dozens of other countries recognised González as president-elect.
Gonzalez, a little-known former diplomat, had the support of popular opposition leader María Corina Machado, whom she replaced on the ballot after she was barred from running for office by Maduro government officials.
With security forces cracking down on the opposition after the election, González went into exile in Spain and Machado went into hiding in Venezuela.
They have been urging Maduro to step down.
They have been urging Maduro to step down and lobbying for international support, particularly from the US, for the past 18 months.
Machado’s profile was boosted by his winning the Nobel Peace Prize for “his struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy” in Venezuela.
The publicity and recognition she received after making the risky journey from her hideout in Venezuela to Oslo to accept the award led many to assume that in any post-Maduro scenario she would return to her homeland to take over the reins of power from Edmundo González.
After Maduro’s capture, Machado posted a letter on social media declaring that “the time for freedom has come.”
“Today we are ready to implement our mandate and take power,” he wrote.
But the US president stunned journalists when he declared that Machado did not have the “support or respect” to lead the country.
Trump said his team had not spoken to Machado after the US attacks, but Marco Rubio had spoken to Delsey Rodriguez.
Trump’s next comment may explain why the Trump administration is now Maduro’s loyal lieutenant— at least for now.
Trump quoted Rodriguez as saying, “We’ll do whatever you want,” adding, “They really don’t have a choice.”
WATCH: Key questions over Trump’s actions on Venezuela
With Maduro’s inner circle still in power in Venezuela, U.S. officials may have thought that having someone from the current government assume power would provide the smoothest transition.
In his press conference, President Trump said that the US is “ready to launch a second and much larger attack if we need to do so”, making it clear why he feels Delsey Rodriguez has no choice but to do the US’s bidding.
Gabby Ora/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Delsey Rodriguez often appeared at events side by side with Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The fact that Rodriguez was seen surrounded by some of the most powerful people in Maduro’s inner circle just hours after the president was arrested and flown out of the country shows that he has secured their support as well.
He was joined by his brother Jorge Rodríguez, who is president of Venezuela’s National Assembly; Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello; Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino; and top armed forces commander Domingo Hernández Larraz, among others.
That will cheer the U.S. officials, who were worried that Maduro’s capture would trigger a potentially destabilising battle for control among his inner circle.
But the message that Delsey Rodriguez gave to America may not have sounded so good to American ears.
He stressed that “Venezuela has only one president, and his name is Nicolás Maduro” and called his recovery “a kidnapping.”
Promising to “protect” Venezuela, he insisted, “We will never again be the colony of an empire.”
Although she certainly did not seem like the person Trump described as “willing to do America’s bidding,” there is speculation that she may have taken a nationalist stance to retain Maduro’s most loyal supporters.
Asked about Trump’s support for Rodriguez and his comments, Marco Rubio told CBS on Sunday that the US will judge him based on his actions, not his words.
“Do I know what people are going to decide? I don’t know,” he added, appearing to say he was not as sure as Trump about Rodriguez’s willingness to work with the US.
What he was adamant about was the US’s desire to put pressure on Rodriguez’s interim government.
“I do know that if they don’t make the right decision, the United States will put a number of leverages in place to make sure that our interests are protected, and that includes oil quarantines, among other things,” he said.
Rubio also seemed to suggest in an interview with ABC that Venezuela should hold fresh elections.
“The government will come through a period of transition and real elections, which they have not had,” he said this week.
He also appealed for “realism”, suggesting that new elections would take time: “Everyone is asking why there are no elections tomorrow, 24 hours after Nicolás Maduro’s arrest. That’s absurd.”
Talk of new elections will undoubtedly disappoint not only María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, but also the many Venezuelans who voted for them and who have been adamant that they want to see those votes respected.
The opposition has long insisted that free and fair elections are not possible, and the key institutions involved in organising them are filled with Maduro loyalists. Reform of those bodies will take time.
Therefore, in the short term, Venezuela is likely to be governed by Delsey Rodríguez and Maduro’s inner circle – as long as they meet the Trump administration’s expectations.
How long this lasts will depend on whether Rodriguez is able to find a golden middle between Trump’s requests and accommodating Maduro’s base interests.
US Special Forces commandos destroyed air defence systems to attack Nicolás Maduro’s fortified safe house in a surprise military operation inside Venezuela.
Operation Absolute Resolve began under the cover of darkness when about 150 military aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers and reconnaissance aircraft, took off from 20 military bases and naval ships.
A photo captured the aftermath of the attack at Fuerte Tiuna, the largest military complex in Venezuela.Personnel stand next to the U.S. Navy MH-60S Nighthawk helicopter sitting on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima. Credit: Reuters.President Donald Trump, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe (left) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right), watching ‘Operation Absolute Resolve’. Credit: EPA
Explosions and the sound of attack helicopters shook Caracas in a swift sequence of events.
The strikes, which targeted a major military base and an airbase, among other sites, continued for about an hour.
And within moments, dictator Maduro – who has been the country’s leader for the past 12 years – was loaded into a military helicopter with his wife and flown back to the US.
The extraordinary operation began.
The extraordinary operation began between midnight and 1 a.m. American strike forces began positioning themselves “during the darkest hours” in Caracas time.
At around 2 am, several explosions were heard in Caracas, and plumes of smoke were seen rising over the city.
Gen. Dan Kane, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said fighter planes, including F-22 Raptors, F-35 stealth fighters and Navy F-18 Hornets, were deployed to Venezuela to destroy the country’s air defences.
Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex in Caracas, and Carlota airbase in the north were the targets of the attacks.
La Guaira, north of the capital, where Caracas’ airport and port are located, was also hit.
Tomahawk missiles fired from US Navy destroyers also destroyed Russian long-range surface-to-air (SAM) missile batteries and short-range Pechora and Pantsir missile bases operated by the Cubans, sources told The Sun.
Meanwhile, electronic warfare Growler aircraft jammed radar systems, causing communications disruption and power grids across Venezuela, he said.
All this was done to clear the way for a fleet of MH-60 (Black Hawk variant) and MH-47 (Chinook variant) of the US Air Force 160th Special Operations Regiment equipped for high-risk infiltration and extraction missions.
Helicopters carrying Deltas and possibly SEAL teams take off from the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier and a special forces vessel known as the “Ghost Ship.”
Naval assets have been moving closer to Venezuela for weeks after the US launched its largest military buildup since the Iraq War.
As American strike forces provided air cover, radar and thermal night vision allowed helicopters to operate at low altitude through the mountain valleys surrounding the city.
Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, after a US airstrike. Credit: Reuters.Destroyed vehicles at La Carlota Military Airport Credit: Reuters
The US Army’s Delta Force and FBI agents soon landed and launched an attack on the Venezuelan mainland army, which is headquartered in the centre of Caracas.
Between 2 am and 2.30 am, US special forces raided Maduro’s residence inside a heavily fortified military compound.
Quickly descending and climbing onto the rooftops, the Delta teams fired sudden bursts of fire to stun the Venezuelan soldiers guarding the compound.
They then took out Maduro’s inner ring of bodyguards, made up of Cuba’s much-feared Avias Negras special forces, with a volley of HK416 assault rifles, whose firing rate exceeded 800 rounds per minute.
The soldiers surprised themselves when the Americans entered.
Special forces then forced their way through the compound and entered Maduro’s room.
General Cain said Maduro and his wife tried to escape into the steel-reinforced room but were stopped by US forces.
Trump said US troops built a replica of Maduro’s safe house and practised how they would enter the heavily fortified residence.
Blindfolded Maduro is photographed on the USS Iwo Jima. Credit: Truth SocialVenezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is gesturing next to his wife, Cilia Flores. Credit: Reuters.
The US President said they were able to penetrate the defensive layers of the complex in a matter of seconds.
Maduro and his wife were then loaded onto a Chinook helicopter and at about 4:29 pm, they were transferred to the USS Iwo Jima, a warship in the Caribbean.
Trump hinted at a postponed “second wave” during his Saturday press conference.
More special forces teams were on standby to reinforce Delta and possibly pursue secondary targets if they failed to counterattack Maduro or Caracas.
But Trump said he was prepared to “stage a second wave of much larger attacks” if necessary.
“All of Venezuela’s military and politicians must understand that what happened to Maduro can happen to them too,” he said.
The US President also hinted at a permanent military presence, saying, “We will stay in and run the country until we have a safe and just transition.”
General Kane said the inter-agency work on the attack “began months ago and was built on decades of experience integrating complex air, ground, space, and maritime operations.”
Aerial surveillance for months by satellites and Reaper drones Flying at high altitude was also necessary to map Venezuelan air defences and installations.
According to a source familiar with the matter, in August the CIA had a small team on the ground that was able to provide information about Maduro’s life patterns, making him easier to capture.
Two other sources said the intelligence agency also had an asset close to Maduro that would monitor his movements and was ready to pinpoint his exact location should the operation begin.
CIA, NSA and National Crime General Kane said the agency (NCA) cooperated for this “carefully planned” operation.
FBI agents accompanied Maduro when he arrived on US soil with his wife on Saturday evening.
The footage shows a US federal plane arriving at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York carrying the Venezuelan dictator and his wife, Celia Flores.
Two U.S. Marine Corps F-35s prepare for takeoff at the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. Credit: APA US Army helicopter lands on the USS Iwo Jima, which is capable of conducting amphibious assaults (credit: AP).
Dozens of FBI agents escorted Maduro into custody ahead of his scheduled execution court appearance in Manhattan federal court.
Charges of narco-terrorism and weapons-related offences await his trial in New York.
Venezuelans had been preparing attacks on their territory for months, following repeated threats by Trump to escalate his campaign against Maduro’s administration.
Trump has consistently blasted Venezuela under Maduro as an illegitimate regime, accusing him of working as a narcotics state in collusion with the U.S. adversaries.
The US president has long threatened to order military strikes following months of attacks on boats in Venezuelan territory. The drugs originate from a country in South America.
The White House said Washington was in armed conflict with drug cartels to stem the flow of narcotics to the United States, while US officials alleged Maduro supported the international drug trade.
Maduro (in grey attire) is pictured on US soil as a plane carrying him and his wife arrived at New York airport.
Before the increase, there had been 35 known attacks against alleged drug-trafficking boats in South American waters since the beginning of September, killing at least 115 people, according to Republican administration announcements.
The regime change in Caracas has been central to Trump’s view that Venezuela’s political restructuring is essential to curb Russian and Chinese influence and unlock vast swathes of the country. Oil Possibility.
Politically, Venezuela now faces a delicate transition period.
Removing Maduro, who led Venezuela for more than 12 years, could potentially create a power vacuum in the Latin American country.
The US Army has launched the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which has been sent to the Caribbean to join Trump’s drug-busting force. Credit: AFP
Wellbeing has become such a priceless (or often expensive) endeavour that we can’t seem to get enough of it.
Last year, we were mainlining magnesium and consuming creatine—a muscle-boosting supplement that became mainstream—and we turned to AI chatbots for help with anything from a personalised training regimen to a daily meal plan.
And that’s against a backdrop of more than a million people paying privately for weight loss drugs, in some cases completely transforming their relationship with food and exercise.
What is the multi-trillion-pound industry focusing on in 2026? Several experts give us their thoughts about what’s on the wellbeing agenda.
Recovery
If 2025 was about smashing targets at the gym, tracking runs to the second and lifting heavier and heavier weights, then this year is all about recovery.
Jak Phillips, a growth director from global fitness brand Les Mills, says it’s no longer about “no pain, no gain”, something that “fitness has built on for years”.
“Technology has made us so much smarter now,” he says. “It’s no longer about training ourselves into the ground.”
“Smartwatches have revolutionised our understanding of what it means to be fit.”
By tracking our movement and our heart rate, they tell us when to rest, warn us if we have trained too hard, and highlight days when our fitness levels are “peaking”.
“Now we have more data and understanding of our wellbeing – we can give ourselves a break.”
Factor in rest days; reframe them as a way of staying fit, rather than “taking time off”, he says.
Getty Images
Recovery is just as important as scheduling training sessions in the week
And with that, a relatively new acronym will begin to seep into our consciousness, Mr Phillips predicts. This year will be about JOMO instead of FOMO.
“So many of us can relate to FOMO – the Fear Of Missing Out – but what would happen if we stopped trying to keep up with everything?”
“Why don’t we experience JOMO – the Joy Of Missing Out?”
FOMO was first recognised by the Oxford Dictionary back in 2004. We compare our lives to others and put pressure on ourselves to keep up in a world that’s often created by our sparkling, shiny socials.
Now, more than 20 years later, a countermovement is growing to reduce the anxiety that often comes with worrying about what others are doing and trying not to spread ourselves too thinly.
Mr Phillips says it’s more than just saying no; it’s about learning self-comfort and not needing external validation for life choices, like workout frequency or socialising.
“It’s about understanding what’s right for you and not feeling guilty or shamed for prioritising yourself,” he says.
Brain boosting
“Boosting – that’s the key word here,” Rachel Chatterton, a product director at Holland & Barrett, explains.
“Our customers are super interested in anything that gives them a boost – and this year it will be about boosting their brainpower.”
Nootropics, supplements that purportedly enhance cognition and are sometimes referred to as “smart drugs”, have been around for decades; it’s only in the past few years that their appeal has really taken off.
These should not be confused with regulated pharmaceutical drugs, which can help with conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy and Alzheimer’s disease but should only be taken with a diagnosed medical condition.
By 2030, the likes of Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha, and L-theanine could be commanding an $11 billion (£8 billion) slice of the wellbeing market.
There may only be a few studies that suggest these supplements can improve cognition, enhance memory, and reduce stress, but Ms Chatterton says the market, especially among Gen Z, is booming.
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Nootropics have been around for years, but it’s only recently that they’ve really taken off.
“They are so much more interested in health than any other generation, and I think that’s driving quite a significant movement in terms of preventative health.”
“They are really thinking about how they can look after their brain at every life stage.”
And many of us might start “supplement stacking through the day,” she suggests. “Not necessarily swapping any in or out, but mixing magnesium with lion’s mane, for example.”
But boosting our brains does not end there; millions of us are downloading brain training apps to improve our processing speed and memory and to try to protect the 86 billion neurones we have stored in our heads—and as a way, we are told, to stay mentally resilient in the age of artificial intelligence.
Lifestyle GP Dr Alex Maxwell is not persuaded by the claimed effectiveness of nootropics and brain training.
“You’re going to get much more bang for your buck by increasing the amount you sleep; that’s a fantastic brain protector.” Managing your cardiovascular and metabolic health through exercise is the type of action that will help and has been proven to be effective.”
Nootropics have limited evidence they work on the general healthy population, he says, and taking a bit of lion’s mane, for example, will fail to address the root cause of why someone is not getting enough sleep or help them feel less stressed in the long term.
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Lifestyle GPs recommend going “back to basics”: eating fresh food, sleeping and regular exercise
Nervous systems
So how can we cope with the stresses that this year will inevitably throw at us? If there’s one nerve you want to touch in 2026, it’s the vagus nerve.
A growing body of evidence suggests that the vagus nerve may play a crucial role in our ability to manage stress.
TV doctor and GP Zoe Williams believes that by hacking into the nerve – known as the body’s superhighway – we can calm down more quickly in stressful situations and build up a level of stress resilience.
“Whether it’s a work deadline or comparing yourself to somebody on social media or having an argument with your partner or missing the bus, they’re all little doses of stress our body wasn’t designed for,” she explains.
Getty Images
Cold water therapy may stimulate the vagus nerve and lower your heart rate
She recommends several simple techniques that can help us stimulate the vagus nerve, activate our parasympathetic nervous system, and reduce the “fight or flight” response that many of us experience daily.
Here are some techniques that can help activate the vagus nerve:
Being aware of our breathing, Dr Williams recommends the “physiological sigh”, which consists of two sharp breath intakes followed by one long exhale.
Cold water therapy – splashing cold water on your face can help lower your heart rate and stimulate the vagus nerve.
If you want to spend a few hundred pounds, you could invest in a vagus nerve stimulator, small devices which are worn round the neck or clipped on the ear which gently vibrates.
Is it time to return to the basics?
Dr Maxwell says “back to basics” is his key wellness theme – eat well, sleep and move – those three things are key to being healthy.
He warns simplicity can sometimes be best, as some people are taking monitoring their daily lives to the extreme with life logging. You can now log your entire day using a new wearable AI device that constantly records audio. It lets you know who you have met and what you chatted about, summarises the exchange and basically gives you a rundown of the rich tapestry of your day.
What’s not to love?
Dr Maxwell shakes his head as I give him this example.
“Sounds positively petrifying,” he says. “Tech should be your servant, not your master.
“Do the research and check what evidence is behind these new trends,” he recommends.
A Russian military blogger feared that any US capture of Venezuelan oil reserves could cause a “nightmare” collapse of the country’s economy, which is dependent on energy exports.
22:31, 03 January 2026 Updated 22:33, 03 January 2026
Russians fear US control over Venezuelan oil could damage the country’s economy (image: Poole/AFP via Getty Images).
Russians fear they will “die of hunger” after Vladimir Putin’s ally Nicolás Maduro was swiftly captured.
Donald Trump shocked the entire world early this morning after ordering an explosively effective operation to oust Maduro and his wife from Venezuela.
The pair will now be tried in the US on multiple crimes, including narco-trafficking.
But as the Trump administration celebrated, fears grew in Russia about what it might mean now that the country’s staunchest ally has been defeated in South America.
The Kremlin criticised Maduro’s removal as an “act of armed aggression” and said it was “deeply worrying”.
Trump gives green signal to quickly capture Maduro (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
read more. Venezuela is in danger of ‘second wave’; Trump said four scary words read more. Donald Trump shares stunning photo of captured Nicolás Maduro
Fear has also spread beyond the Kremlin and infected online spaces where Russians shared concerns that oil prices would collapse and hurt the country’s economy that depends on energy exports.
Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska said that US control over Venezuelan oil could have serious negative consequences.
Writing on his Telegram channel, he said, “If our American ‘partners’ reach Venezuelan oil fields (and they have already reached Guyana), they will take control of more than half of the world’s oil reserves.”
He added, “And apparently their plan is to ensure that the price of our oil does not rise above $50 (£37) a barrel. That means it will be difficult for our sacrosanct state capitalism to leave everything as it is.”
Pro-Kremlin forces further vilified the situation, calling it a “nightmare” and daring to call Russia’s leaders traitors. “This is no joke,” the blogger said, according to the report. daily Express,
Maduro was captured by the Americans early in the morning (Image: The truth about US President Donald Trump)
“Soon it won’t even be profitable for us to extract oil. We will face starvation within a few months. This will lead to the complete collapse of the economy.
“They’ll drive the price of oil through the roof and take over the entire market. Additionally, they will gain control of the oil supply.
“This is a completely catastrophic disaster. We will be left without the Internet, overwhelmed by taxes, and forced to consume our waste oil. (…) Americans have just extended their existence for several centuries, while our existence will end in a month.”
Trump said the United States will take over Venezuela’s governance until we can achieve a safe, just, and prudent transition. He added: “
can’t take the risk that Venezuela will be taken over by someone else who doesn’t have the well-being of the Venezuelan people in mind.
We’re there now. But we’re going to stay until there’s proper change. We’re going to run it essentially…”
US President Donald Trump has said American oil companies will be allowed to move into Venezuela to tap its vast crude reserves following a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Trump said major US energy firms would invest billions of dollars to repair Venezuela’s damaged oil infrastructure and restart production.
“We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country,” he said.
spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country,” he said.
Trump added that the United States would then sell “large amounts” of Venezuelan oil to other countries, according to AP.
We’re in the oil business. We’re going to sell it to them,” Trump said during the news conference. He added that oil companies will pay to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
At the same time, he made it clear that US sanctions remain in place. “
The embargo on all Venezuelan oil remains in full effect,” Trump said. Meanwhile, in a phone interview, President Donald Trump said the United States would ensure uninterrupted supply, dismissing concerns over China.
Trump said he shared “excellent relations” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and insisted there would be no problems with Beijing.
“They will get the oil. We will let people have the oil,” he added. Venezuela has been under US oil sanctions since 2019 and currently produces about one million barrels of crude per day.
Much of the oil is sold on the black market at heavy discounts, according to AFP. Trump described Venezuela’s oil sector as a “total bust” for years despite it holding the world’s largest proven crude reserves.
He said the proposed US “partnership” would make Venezuelans “rich, independent, and safe,” adding that Venezuelans living in the US would be “extremely happy” and “not going to suffer any more,” as reported by AFP.
. The president repeated similar remarks in a television interview, saying the US would be “forcefully involved” in Venezuela’s oil industry, without spelling out the details.
Venezuela’s proven reserves are estimated at 303 billion barrels, accounting for about 17 per cent of global reserves, as per The Hill. Trump’s comments came hours after Washington announced it had captured Maduro in an overnight military operation.
Maduro and his wife were taken from a military base and flown out of the country aboard a US warship, with Trump saying they were headed to New York to face criminal charges.
He also said the US planned to run Venezuela temporarily until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” of power could take place, reported AP.
As part of a weeks-long military pressure campaign ahead of the raid, US forces seized at least two oil tankers that Washington said were operating in violation of sanctions.
Trump also issued a warning to other political and military figures in Venezuela, saying, “What happened to Maduro can happen to them,” according to AFP.
He again accused Caracas of using oil revenues to finance “drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping”, allegations long denied by the Venezuelan government, as per AFP.
Trump said he personally watched the military operation.
Trump said he personally watched the military operation in real time and praised it as “extremely successful”, adding that the US forces were prepared for further action if required.
While US oil major Chevron already operates in Venezuela under limited sanctions waivers,
Trump’s remarks signal a far deeper American role in the country’s energy sector once political control is restructured.
Your phone’s already part of your training environment. It sits next to your water bottle, lives in your gym bag, and comes out between sets, whether you plan to use it or not. As 2025 wraps up inside the gym, the difference between repeating the same results next year and making real progress often comes down to how intentionally you use the tools already in your pocket.
Most lifters treat their phone as a distraction. They scroll, answer texts, and let rest periods drift until intensity drops and workouts lose their edge.
Used correctly, that same device becomes a precision tool that sharpens decision-making during training. Smarter loading, tighter rest intervals, better movement feedback, and clearer recovery signals turn average sessions into productive ones without adding more volume.
The start of a new training year is the perfect time to clean up habits that quietly limit progress. The most useful apps aren’t complete workout programmes or flashy coaching platforms. They’re simple utilities that help you train with intent, manage fatigue, and track what actually drives results on the gym floor.
These six tools set the foundation for a stronger 2026. Each serves a specific purpose during your workouts and helps you get more from the work you’re already doing.
How to Use These Tools Without Killing Focus
Your phone can either sharpen your training or quietly sabotage it, depending on how you use it between sets. When tools are used intentionally, they streamline decisions, shorten rest periods, and keep sessions on track.
Without structure, that same device becomes a time sink that drains intensity and extends workouts beyond the planned duration.
The key is using them at the right moments and then getting out of the way. Clear boundaries turn your phone into part of your workflow rather than a distraction.
Use these guidelines to keep focus high and distractions low:
Limit use to specific moments: check load calculators during warm-ups, start rest timers immediately after finishing a set, and log numbers as soon as the set ends.
Set the phone down between sets. Once the tool’s in use, put it away to avoid unintentional scrolling.
Silence nonessential notifications: alerts break rhythm and extend rest periods without you realising it.
Film with intent: Record key lifts or technique-sensitive movements only, review quickly, and apply one precise adjustment.
Avoid multitasking: use one tool at a time rather than switching between apps during the same rest period.
Stay session-focused: if it doesn’t support the current lift or goal, it doesn’t belong in the moment.
Used this way, your phone supports better training decisions without stealing attention from the work that actually drives progress.
Why Trust Us
I’ve spent over a decade working as a performance coach with athletes, lifters, and everyday gymgoers across collegiate strength and conditioning, private sports performance, and Olympic weightlifting.
Throughout that time, my focus has stayed the same. Help people train with clarity, consistency, and purpose inside the gym.
The tools covered here are ones I use regularly with athletes and clients to manage loading, structure rest periods, track volume, refine technique, and monitor recovery trends.
I also rely on these same utilities in my training because they support better decision-making during sessions and remove unnecessary guesswork.
Each recommendation reflects real gym use, not theory or trend chasing. When applied consistently, these tools help training stay organised, intentional, and productive across a wide range of goals and experience levels.
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M&F’s Top Training Apps Picks For 2026
Load and Strength Calculators
One of the fastest ways to stall progress is to guess your training weights. Too light and you’re wasting sets.
Too heavy and technique breaks down, or reps fall apart earlier than planned. Load and strength calculators remove emotion and ego from the equation so you can train with intent instead of instincts.
These tools estimate your one-rep max based on recent performance and translate it into actionable training metrics.
That matters on days when you’re working with percentages, autoregulating intensity, or adjusting loads when performance feels slightly off.
Instead of forcing a number written on paper, you’re responding to what your body can actually produce that day.
Inside the gym, this tool’s most valuable during warm-ups and ramping sets.
helps you settle on appropriate working weights faster and avoid chasing numbers that don’t match how you’re moving. Over time, that leads to cleaner sessions and more consistent loading across training blocks.
1 Rep Max Calculator and Log is a straightforward tool designed for lifters who want quick, no-friction strength estimates during training.
It allows users to calculate estimated one-rep maxes from submaximal sets and log results for future reference. The interface prioritises speed, making it easy to switch between warm-ups and working sets without slowing the session.
Pros
Fast 1RM calculations with minimal inputs
Built-in logging helps track strength trends over time
One Rep Max focuses exclusively on estimating strength from completed sets, making it a simple option for lifters who want quick feedback without extra features.
It’s best suited for checking loads on the fly during warm-ups or confirming working weights before heavier sets. The app does exactly what it claims without unnecessary distractions.
Pros
Extremely simple and straightforward to use
Quick calculations that don’t interrupt training flow
One Rep Max for iOS offers the same core functionality as its Android counterpart, providing fast estimated max calculations from recent lifts.
It’s ideal for lifters who want a quick reference tool rather than a full training platform. The app works best when paired with a separate logging or programming tool.
The 1RM Calculator provides estimated maximums and percentage-based outputs that are useful for lifters following structured strength programs.
It helps translate recent performance into practical training numbers, especially on days when planned loads need adjusting. The app strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality.
Pros
Percentage-based outputs support structured training
Easy to reference during ramping sets
Clean interface suited for gym use
Cons
No advanced logging features
Limited customization for different lifting styles
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Rest Interval and Density Timer Apps
Rest is a training variable that directly affects strength output, volume quality, and fatigue management. When rest periods drift, performance drops.
When rest gets rushed, reps get sloppy. Timers keep your training honest.
Rest interval and density timers help you control intensity rather than guess it.
Whether you’re lifting heavy, training for hypertrophy, or running supersets, consistent rest ensures each set aligns with the session’s intent. You’re no longer relying on feel or distractions to dictate when you lift again.
Where these tools really matter is toward the end of the workout. As fatigue builds, rest naturally stretches longer without you realising it.
Seconds is a highly customised interval timer that works well for lifters who want precise control over rest periods, work intervals, and density blocks.
It’s flexible enough to handle straight sets, supersets, circuits, and timed work without forcing you into a specific training style. Once set up, it runs quietly in the background and keeps sessions moving.
Pros
Highly customizable to rest and work intervals
Supports complex interval structures like supersets and circuits
Reliable background operation during training
Cons
Initial setup can feel overwhelming for simple lifting sessions
Advanced features may be more than some lifters need
Interval Timer is a no-frills option for lifters who want consistent rest periods without extra setup. It’s well-suited for traditional strength training, hypertrophy work, and simple supersets where rest discipline matters more than complex programming. The straightforward design makes it easy to use between sets.
Pros
Fast and straightforward to set up
Easy to use during straight sets and basic supersets
SmartWOD Timer is designed for interval-based training but adapts well to strength and hypertrophy sessions that rely on consistent rest and density control.
It supports EMOMs, AMRAPs, and custom intervals, making it useful for lifters blending strength work with conditioning. The interface is clean and easy to navigate mid-workout.
Pros
Excellent support for EMOM and interval-based sessions
Flex Timer offers a balance between simplicity and flexibility, making it a solid option for lifters who rotate between straight sets, supersets, and timed blocks.
It allows users to create reusable timers that fit different training styles without constant reconfiguration. This makes it useful for lifters who value consistency across sessions.
Pros
Flexible timer creation for different workout formats
Easy to reuse saved timers
Clean layout that works well in the gym
Cons
Fewer advanced features compared to more robust timer apps
Limited integration with other training tools
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SESSION LOGGING AND VOLUME TRACKING APPS
If you don’t know what you lifted last week, you’re guessing this week. Session logging and volume tracking turn workouts into data instead of memory. They provide a clear record of what you did and how much work you completed.
These tools allow you to track sets, reps, loads, and total volume across exercises and training blocks. That matters because random PRs don’t drive progress. It’s driven by repeated exposure to high-quality work.
In the gym, logging removes decision fatigue. You walk in knowing exactly where to start, which weights to use, and how much work to complete.
That clarity keeps sessions focused and prevents workouts that appear difficult but lack direction.
Strong is a polished logging app built for lifters who want structured tracking without turning training into data entry. It allows users to quickly log sets, reps, load, rest time, and PRs, making it easy to stay focused between sets.
The app works well for strength, hypertrophy, and mixed training styles where consistent progression matters.
Pros
Fast, intuitive logging during workouts
Precise tracking of volume, PRs, and progression
Clean interface that doesn’t disrupt training flow
Cons
Advanced features require a paid upgrade
Limited customization for unconventional training styles
FitNotes is a lightweight logging tool designed for lifters who prefer simplicity over polish.
It focuses on core tracking functions like exercises, sets, reps, and load without adding unnecessary features. This makes it especially appealing to lifters who want a reliable logbook without distractions.
Pros
Extremely simple and efficient to use
Highly customizable exercise library
Lightweight design that runs smoothly during sessions
Cons
Basic interface with minimal visual feedback
Limited built-in analytics compared to more robust apps
Strong on iOS offers the same streamlined logging experience as the Android version, with added polish that fits perfectly into Apple’s ecosystem.
It’s particularly effective for lifters following structured programs who want consistent data across sessions. The app balances ease of use with enough depth to support long-term progression.
Pros
Smooth user experience with quick in-workout logging
Strong visualization of progress and PRs
Reliable performance during longer sessions
Cons
Subscription required for full feature access
Less flexible for highly individualized programming
HeavySet is designed for serious lifters who want precise control over volume, intensity, and progression.
It supports advanced set types, auto progression, and detailed workout analytics, making it a strong option for experienced trainees. The depth of features makes it well-suited for lifters who value detailed tracking.
Pros
Advanced tracking for volume, intensity, and progression
Supports complex set structures and autoregulation
Highly customizable for experienced lifters
Cons
Steeper learning curve than simpler logging apps
May feel overwhelming for beginners
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FORM AND TECHNIQUE FEEDBACK
What a lift feels like and what it actually looks like aren’t always the same. Form and technique feedback tools close that gap by providing objective information rather than relying on feelings alone.
These tools allow slow-motion playback, angle review, and set-to-set comparisons. That’s especially valuable for compound lifts, where small technical errors can quietly limit progress or place unnecessary stress on joints.
When used correctly, video feedback doesn’t slow training. It sharpens it. A quick review between sets helps you clean up movement while fatigue is low, rather than reinforcing poor habits rep after rep.
Coach Now is a video-based coaching and feedback platform built for detailed movement analysis. It allows lifters to record sets, annotate video, and compare reps over time, making it especially useful for technique-focused training.
While it’s commonly used in coach–athlete settings, it also works well for self-analysis when movement quality matters.
Pros
High-quality video review with drawing and annotation tools
Easy side-by-side comparison for tracking technique changes
Strong organization for storing and reviewing past lifts
Cons
More robust than most lifters need for casual filming
Some features are best utilized in a coach–athlete setup
OnForm is a versatile video feedback app that allows lifters to record, slow down, and analyse their movements directly on their phones.
It’s particularly effective for reviewing compound lifts and technique-sensitive exercises between sets. The interface is intuitive enough for solo lifters while still offering depth for more advanced analysis.
Pros
Smooth slow-motion playback and frame-by-frame review
Coach Now on iOS offers the same robust video analysis tools with a polished interface that integrates well into Apple’s ecosystem.
It’s well-suited for lifters who want consistent visual feedback across training cycles or who work closely with a coach. The app excels at organising large libraries of training footage.
Pros
Excellent video clarity and annotation tools
Easy organization of lifts by date or movement
Strong long-term tracking of technique changes
Cons
Feature depth may be unnecessary for basic technique checks
OnForm for iOS delivers fast, reliable video feedback without overcomplicating the process. It’s ideal for lifters who want immediate visual confirmation of bar path, depth, or positioning.
The app supports quick reviews between sets, making it practical for in-gym use.
Pros
Fast video capture and playback
Clean interface that’s easy to navigate under fatigue
Works well for solo technique checks
Cons
No built-in programming or logging features
Advanced analysis tools are limited
Ajan Alen
RECOVERY AND READINESS METRICS
Training stress only leads to progress if recovery keeps pace. Recovery and readiness tools help you understand how well your body’s responding to the work you’re putting in.
These tools track trends like sleep quality, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability. While no single metric tells the whole story, patterns over time provide valuable context for adjusting intensity, volume, or exercise selection.
Their most significant benefit is decision support. Instead of forcing lengthy sessions on low-readiness days, you can shift focus to technique, volume control, or lighter loads without guessing why performance feels off.
Garmin’s recovery and readiness features are built into its broader wearable ecosystem, making them especially useful for lifters who also run.
Cycle or train endurance alongside strength work. Metrics like training readiness, body battery, sleep quality, and heart rate variability provide context for daily intensity decisions.
Garmin’s strength lies in long-term trend tracking rather than day-to-day micromanagement.
Pros
Strong long-term recovery and fatigue trend tracking
Integrates strength, conditioning, and endurance data
Useful readiness scores for adjusting training intensity
Cons
Data volume can feel overwhelming without experience
Requires a compatible Garmin device for full functionality
Oura emphasises sleep quality and overnight recovery, making it valuable for understanding how well you’re recovering between sessions.
Its readiness and sleep scores provide helpful context for adjusting training intensity, especially during heavy blocks or periods of accumulated fatigue.
The ring format makes it easy to wear consistently without interfering with lifting.
Pros
Excellent sleep tracking and overnight recovery insights
Comfortable form factor that doesn’t interfere with training
Clear readiness metrics based on long-term trends
Cons
Limited training-specific metrics compared to wearables
Athlytic uses Apple Watch data to estimate recovery, exertion, and readiness without requiring additional hardware.
It’s a strong option for lifters already using Apple Watch who want recovery insights tied directly to daily activity and training. The app works best when reviewed over time rather than reacting to single-day scores.
Pros
Leverages existing Apple Watch data
Clear recovery and exertion scores
No additional wearable required
Cons
Accuracy depends heavily on Apple Watch data quality
Less robust sleep analysis than dedicated devices
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NUTRITION AND FUEL TRACKING
Training creates the stimulus, but nutrition determines how well you adapt to it. Nutrition and fuel-tracking tools raise awareness of habits that often limit results without lifters realising it.
These tools help monitor protein, calorie, and hydration intake throughout the week. They’re not about perfection or obsessive tracking.
They’re about consistency. Most lifters undereat protein or fuel inconsistently, which shows up as stalled progress in the gym.
When used as a reference rather than a rulebook, nutrition tracking supports better recovery, stronger sessions, and more predictable outcomes in your training.
MyFitnessPal is one of the most widely used nutrition tracking apps, making it a familiar and accessible option for many lifters.
It allows users to quickly track calories, macros, and protein intake, raising awareness about daily fuelling habits that directly affect training performance. Its large food database enables rapid logging, even on busy training days.
Pros
Massive food database that speeds up logging
Simple macro and calorie tracking
Easy to use consistently without overthinking nutrition
Cons
Some advanced features require a paid version
Food entries can vary in accuracy if not double-checked
Cronometer is designed for lifters who want more precision in their nutrition tracking. In addition to calories and macros,
It tracks micronutrients, making it useful for athletes who care about overall nutrient intake and recovery support. The app favours accuracy and detail over speed, which appeals to more data-driven users.
Pros
Highly accurate food database with verified entries
Tracks micronutrients in addition to macros
Strong option for athletes focused on recovery and health
MyFitnessPal on iOS offers the same streamlined nutrition-tracking experience with seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem.
It’s especially effective for lifters who want consistent macro and protein tracking without turning nutrition into a full-time job. The app works well as a habit-building tool rather than a rigid nutrition plan.
Pros
Fast, intuitive food logging
Strong macro and calorie tracking
Easy to pair with training and recovery apps
Cons
Premium features are locked behind a subscription
Limited micronutrient detail compared to more advanced tools
The unstoppable rise from a social media fad to a major force in the economy is complete. These platforms now shape the economy, affecting how we work, buy, sell, and innovate. They have moved from the periphery to the core, proving that connection, in the digital age, has undeniable commercial power.
What began as a digital playground for sharing photos and status updates has undergone a remarkable transformation. The unstoppable rise from a social media fad to a major force in the economy is one of the most significant business stories of the 21st century. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) have evolved from simple communication tools into powerful economic engines that create jobs, reshape industries, and influence global markets.
The Evolution: More Than Just Likes and Shares
In the early 2000s, social media was often dismissed as a passing trend for teenagers. The concept of making money from these platforms seemed far-fetched. However, the decisive shift began with the introduction of targeted advertising. The social networks realised they owned something incredibly valuable: vast amounts of user data and attention.
This data allowed for hyper-targeted advertising, creating a revolutionary new digital marketing paradigm that traditional media couldn’t match. Businesses, from global brands to local shops, now had direct access to specific audiences, driving the first major wave of social media’s economic impact.
Key Drivers of Economic Power
Several powerful factors propelled social media from a social media fad to a major force in the economy:
1. The Explosive Creator Economy Boom Social media birthed entirely new professions. Influencers, content creators, and community managers now build sustainable careers. Platforms have formalised these roles through features like YouTube’s Partner Program, Instagram’s bonuses, and TikTok’s Creator Fund, which turn likes into pay cheques.
2. The E-Commerce Revolution The line between socialising and shopping has blurred dramatically. Features like Instagram Shops, Facebook Marketplace, and TikTok’s integrated shopping have turned platforms into virtual shopfronts. This “social commerce” allows users to discover and purchase products without ever leaving the app, creating a seamless sales funnel.
3. Small Business Empowerment Social media has drastically lowered the barrier to entry for entrepreneurs. A local baker, artist, or consultant can now market directly to a global audience with minimal upfront cost, a shift that has democratised business creation and competition.
The Tangible Economic Impact.
The numbers tell a compelling story. The social media industry is worth hundreds of billions of dollars. It has created millions of jobs, not only within the tech companies themselves but also across marketing, content creation, digital strategy, and platform management. It drives consumer trends, launches products, and can even influence stock prices through viral moments.
Furthermore, social media has become critical infrastructure for customer service, brand building, and crisis management. A company’s social presence is as important as its website or physical shopfront.
Challenges and Considerations
This economic power doesn’t come without concerns. Issues around data privacy, misinformation, market monopolisation, and the mental health impact on users are part of an ongoing conversation about regulation and ethical responsibility. The very algorithms that drive economic growth can also create societal challenges.
The Future: An Embedded Economic Layer
Looking ahead, social media’s economic role will only deepen. The rise of the metaverse and augmented reality promises new virtual goods and experiences. AI-driven personalisation will make social shopping even more intuitive.
The unstoppable rise from a social media fad to a major force in the economy is complete. These platforms are no longer just part of the economy; they are active shapers of it, influencing how we work, buy, sell, and innovate. They have moved from the periphery to the core, proving that connection, in the digital age, has undeniable commercial power.
Nairobi, Kenya — Kenyans are mourning the death of their beloved “Super Tusker” elephant, whose long life in the wild became a symbol of the country’s increasingly successful efforts to protect the mammal from ivory poachers.
The name of the bull elephant who died on Saturday was Craig. He lived in Amboseli National Park, a protected area in southern Kenya that is a favourite with safari tourists, the Kenya Wildlife Service said in a statement.
“Craig, the famous super tusker known for his huge, ground-reaching teeth and calm, dignified presence, has died at the age of 54,” the statement said.
The Amboseli Trust for Elephants said Craig died of natural causes. The conservation group said it was grateful to everyone who worked to help the animals “live out their lives naturally.”
Local broadcaster NTV aired a segment on Craig’s death, saying the elephant was a rare creature, “one of the last remaining elephants in Africa known as the Super Tusker.”
a non-profit conservation group in Kenya,
This term describes a bull elephant with tusks weighing more than 45 kg. According to the Tsavo Trust, a non-profit conservation group in Kenya, the tusks are so long that they scrape the ground as the elephant walks. The group says females that have longer teeth are called prestige cows.
In Amboseli National Park, a protected area whose vegetation ranges from savanna woodland to open grasslands near the Tanzanian border, the crag stood as an attraction for tourists and a remarkable creature for conservationists working to protect elephants from poachers and other threats.
The Kenya Wildlife Service statement said the elephant was calm, with “visitors often stopping patiently to photograph and film him.”
In 2021, Craig was adopted by beer producer East African Breweries through its popular Tusker brand, reflecting his prominence but also underscoring collaboration between conservation groups and others in Kenya.
Millions of tourists annually flock to Kenya’s national parks and reserves, home to a variety of wildlife species, transforming the country into a tourist hotspot.
The latest official data shows the elephant population is set to increase from 36,280 in 2021 to 42,072 in 2025.
In Mwea National Reserve, a protected area east of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, there has been a great increase in the elephant population. The ecosystem is being overwhelmed and will require the relocation of approximately 100 elephants in 2024.
The African Savanna Elephant is the largest land animal. The adult male weighs approximately six tonnes. “Craig sired numerous calves, ensuring that his powerful lineage and gentle character lived on for generations,” the Wildlife Service said.
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to comment on whether US President Donald Trump’s military action against Venezuela broke international law.
In an interview for the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program, the Prime Minister did not condemn the US attacks.
He said he was waiting to establish all the facts but would “not back down from this”, adding that he had been a “lifelong supporter of international law”.
Sir Keir had earlier said Britain was not involved in Saturday’s mass attacks on Venezuela and that he had not spoken to Trump about the operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
The government is working with the UK Embassy in Caracas to ensure the safety of approximately 500 British citizens in Venezuela and to provide them with appropriate advice.
In a comprehensive interview, the Prime Minister faced questions about the developments in Venezuela and his belief in the upholding of international law.
“I want to bring all the physical facts together, and at the moment, we don’t have the full picture,” Sir Keir told the BBC. “It’s moving fast, and we need to tie it all together.
“I can be really clear with you that Britain had no involvement in this operation. Then I need to talk to President Trump; I need to talk to my allies, but I don’t shy away from that.
“I have been a lifelong supporter of international law and the importance of compliance with international law.
“But I want to ensure that I have all the facts, and at the moment we haven’t got them. Before making any decisions about the consequences of the actions taken, we need to gather all the necessary facts.
During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump said the US was going to “run” Venezuela until “a safe, just and prudent transition is made”.
Earlier, he announced that US law enforcement coordinated a military operation to evacuate Venezuela’s leftist president and his wife, Cilia Flores, from Caracas.
CBS News, the BBC’s North American partner, reports that the raid used elite Delta Force soldiers to capture them.
According to US officials, Maduro has been convicted on drugs and weapons charges. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he did not expect any further action against Venezuela.
The attacks inside Venezuela follow sustained US pressure against the Maduro government.
The Trump administration recently has described its military actions in the region as part of a non-international armed conflict with alleged drug traffickers, whom it accuses of waging irregular warfare against the US.
A former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court told the BBC that the US military operation typically amounts to a planned, systematic attack against civilians during peacetime.
In response, the White House said it had acted consistently with the laws of armed conflict to protect the United States from cartels “trying to bring poison to our shores … destroying the American way of life.”
Separately, in his BBC interview, Sir Keir said Britain faced a “more unstable world,” but he would not say whether Trump was contributing to global instability, saying he and the US president “move on.”
“I think we are in a more volatile world than we have been for many years,” Sir Keir said.
“And I’m really struck by the fact that what’s happening internationally has a much more direct impact on the UK than at any time that most of us can remember.
As Prime Minister of this country, it is my responsibility to ensure that the relationship with the President of the United States functions effectively.
“And not only have I stepped up to that responsibility, but I’ve made it my business, and I move forward with President Trump.”
The military action in Venezuela is currently underway.
The military action in Venezuela has drawn reaction from across the UK political spectrum.
“No one will shed any tears” over Maduro’s “removal,” according to Conservative Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel.
“We have always strongly condemned Maduro’s brutal and repressive regime, and the conservative government does not recognise his administration as legitimate,” he said.
“We await the full facts about the U.S. operations that removed Maduro, and we want to see the Venezuelan people enjoying democratic norms and freedoms.
“This is clearly a grave geopolitical moment.”
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey and Green Party leader Zac Polanski have both urged Sir Keir to condemn the US actions.
“Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe,” Dewey said. “Trump is giving people like Putin and Xi the green light to attack other countries with impunity.”
Polanski described the US military strike as “illegal” and “a violation of international human rights laws.”.
Reform Britain’s leader Nigel Farage said an “unconventional” military campaign by the US could prove a deterrent to future Russian and Chinese aggression.
Meanwhile, the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Callas, said the situation in Venezuela was being closely monitored and urged it to “respect” the UN charter.
