The UK's pause in intelligence sharing with the US over suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean has sparked debate. The US has conducted 14 strikes since September, killing over 70 people near the Venezuelan coast. Downing Street acknowledged withholding intelligence to avoid complicity in potential breaches of international law. Britain's Caribbean territories host intelligence assets, and the UK has historically assisted in identifying suspected drug smuggling vessels. The pause began due to concerns that the US strikes may be extrajudicial killings, aligning with the UN's human rights chief Volker Turk's assessment. This decision could impact a meeting between Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and her US counterpart Marco Rubio at the G7 summit in Canada. The UK's stance highlights the complex legal and ethical considerations surrounding military actions and intelligence sharing, inviting further discussion and scrutiny.
