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Venezuela 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
DefenceEmploymentDemocracy & ElectionsForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 79
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper raised concerns about venezuela 2026-01-05 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
DefenceEmploymentDemocracy & ElectionsForeign Affairs
Government Statement
Yesterday I expressed my condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Crans-Montana. Turning to Venezuela, the US conducted air strikes on Venezuelan targets over the weekend and captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, indicting them for narcoterrorism, drug smuggling, and weapons charges. The UK was not involved in these operations. Our policy aims at a peaceful democratic transition reflecting the will of the Venezuelan people, ensuring security in the region, and upholding international law. Discussions were held with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate responses. Over the weekend, I spoke to the UK chargé d’affaires in Caracas; all embassy staff are safe and working to support approximately 500 British nationals. The Maduro regime is deeply corrupt, undermining regional security through involvement with Iran, Hezbollah, Russia, illicit finance, sanctions evasion, criminal activity including narcotics trafficking and illegal gold trading. Venezuela's GDP has dropped by 80% in a decade; over 8 million people have fled the country. Democratic institutions have been dismantled, silencing dissent and maintaining power through fear and corruption, leading to extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions. Since 2019, successive UK Governments refused to recognise Maduro's regime, imposing sanctions on individuals responsible for undermining democracy and human rights violations without targeting economic sectors or supporting blockades/strikes against drug boats. Our policy promotes international law and supports democratic transition through actions addressing the economic crisis, releasing political prisoners, ending repression, respecting human rights, and holding free elections.
Question
I associate myself and my party with the Foreign Secretary’s comments about the tragedy in Crans-Montana... Does the Foreign Secretary not realise how ridiculous it looks to refuse to call this what it is: a clear breach of international law? Will she at least publish all the advice the Government have received on the legality of Trump’s actions?
Minister reply
Let me say to the right hon. Gentleman that we do, I hope, agree on the brutality of the Maduro dictatorship and that it is better for Venezuela not to be led by somebody like Maduro... We will continue to raise it with our partners, both in public and in private.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Question
Nobody in this Chamber wants to defend the regime of Maduro, but what some of us want to do is to stand up for the importance of a rules-based international order... What would the Foreign Secretary say to British voters—ordinary British voters; not left-wing British voters in particular—who do not understand why a British Prime Minister is not willing to stand up for an international rules-based order and is not willing to defend national sovereignty?
Minister reply
Let me say to the right hon. Lady that we do, I hope, agree on the brutality of the Maduro dictatorship and that it is better for Venezuela not to be led by somebody like Maduro... Stability will not be maintained unless there is a transition that has the will of the people.
Question
The Government's position is unclear on whether the US action in Venezuela breaks international law, and there seems to be a lack of clarity or decisive action from the Prime Minister.
Minister reply
We continue to adhere to international law. While we support the removal of Maduro's illegitimate regime, we do not approve unilateral actions that may break international law.
Question
The Prime Minister is willing to side with Donald Trump and undermine international law for political reasons, damaging Britain’s reputation.
Minister reply
I find it hard to comment on your past support of the Maduro regime. Our position remains guided by international law and our commitment to a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela.
Question
The US actions could undermine NATO, leading to disastrous consequences for European security. How is the Foreign Office addressing this?
Minister reply
We are clear on supporting Greenland’s sovereignty and continue to engage with Denmark privately and publicly. We strengthen our relationships with European partners and support the rules-based international order.
Question
The US's unilateral action in Venezuela is concerning, especially as it seeks control over Venezuelan oil resources.
Minister reply
We maintain strong ties with Venezuelan Opposition leaders and support their call for an end to political repression. We aim to promote a transition to democracy.
Question
The US actions could set a dangerous precedent for future international relations, undermining the rules-based order.
Minister reply
We caution against equating Putin’s actions in Ukraine with current events. Our focus is on strengthening ties with European allies and upholding international law.
Question
The UK should use its influence to promote democracy in Venezuela and ensure NATO remains a strong alliance.
Minister reply
We support the transition to democracy, increasing defence investment, and advocate for international law with our allies.
Question
The UK Government’s position is ambiguous regarding whether they agree or disagree with US actions in Venezuela.
Minister reply
Our stance remains clear: we support a peaceful transition to democracy, not unilateral actions that undermine international law.
Question
The global rules-based order is under threat as nations prioritise national interest over alliances.
Minister reply
While the rules-based order faces challenges, we continue to advocate for international law and increase defence investment to protect our security.
Question
The UK's lack of significant defence investment undermines its ability to influence global affairs.
Minister reply
We have increased defence spending significantly over recent years, showing leadership on the international stage and receiving positive feedback from our allies.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
It would be hard to find an occasion on which a British Prime Minister has looked as irrelevant and spineless on an era-defining international issue as this one does on this occasion. We are witnessing an existential threat to the international rules-based order, and the Prime Minister cannot rouse himself to give it even the meekest of defences. France, Spain, Brazil, Mexico and the UN Secretary-General have all been clear that the Trump Administration have violated international law. When will the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary find their voices and join that chorus of condemnation?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister’s response has been very much in line with the leaders of countries across not just Europe but the world. We continue to stand up for and highlight the importance of international law and focus on the realities in Venezuela, where huge damage has been done over a long time, including by the interference of Iran and Russia. We are focusing on what should be the priority of all of us now: getting a democratic transition for Venezuela.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Question
I thank the Foreign Secretary for her statement. We speak today from the heart of our democracy, where power transfers peacefully according to the will of the people. Does she agree that democracy is the right of all people, no matter where they live? Does she further agree that it is for Venezuelans to decide what their future holds?
Minister reply
I completely agree. The people of Venezuela have been denied that democratic right for far too long. Election results have not been respected, and Venezuelans have faced some of the most horrendous political repression, including on an industrial scale. The July 2024 elections were clearly not respected, and the official results were never published. That is why we are continuing to talk to the opposition parties and others in Venezuela about the importance of getting a democratic transition in place.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
Of course quite a lot depends on what now happens, but Mr Maduro stole the elections in Venezuela in plain sight, is a narco-terrorist and has destroyed the lives of tens of thousands of American citizens and of those more widely and made huge amounts of money out of it. Is not the world a better place with him before the courts in New York, and in this case do not the ends justify the means?
Minister reply
Venezuela is in a stronger position without Maduro leading it, especially given the horrendous human rights abuses and the huge damage to its economy, but as the right hon. Member implied at the beginning of his question, what happens next is really important. The UK is determined to do everything we can to ensure that there is a transition to democracy and stability, because Venezuela will not have stability without a proper democratic transition.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Question
The Secretary of State has said that the UK abides by international law. She has talked about instability in the region and the need for grassroots investment in order for there to be a peaceful transition. Will she share with us the assessment she has made about the impact of economic instability in the region and the role of businesses in the region and how that instability could feed into and damage the possibility of a peaceful transition?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is exactly right. The nature of the economic crisis in Venezuela over the last decade has pushed huge numbers of Venezuelans into extreme hardship. It is one of the reasons why so many Venezuelans have left the country; an estimated one in four Venezuelans have left the country over the last 10 years as a result. This should be a country with a very strong economy. It is very important to build that economy up, but crucially it has to be to the benefit of the people of Venezuela, not criminals or corrupt regimes.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Question
I am grateful to the Foreign Secretary for her remarks. She has talked about instability in the region and the need for grassroots investment in order for there to be a peaceful transition. Will she share with us the assessment she has made about the impact of economic instability in the region and the role of businesses in the region and how that instability could feed into and damage the possibility of a peaceful transition?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is exactly right. The nature of the economic crisis in Venezuela over the last decade has pushed huge numbers of Venezuelans into extreme hardship. It is one of the reasons why so many Venezuelans have left the country; an estimated one in four Venezuelans have left the country over the last 10 years as a result. This should be a country with a very strong economy. It is very important to build that economy up, but crucially it has to be to the benefit of the people of Venezuela, not criminals or corrupt regimes.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
The essay question is not whether Mr Maduro was a good man, which is a clear no-brainer, but whether, as others have asked, the actions of the US President were legal. America cannot be expected to mark her own homework, so I have two questions for the Foreign Secretary. First, what body or bodies would she identify as being responsible to adjudicate on the legality of the American action? Secondly, as the vice-president of Venezuela, whose hands are as tainted with the previous regime as Maduro’s, has this afternoon been sworn in as the new President, what read-across should this House have from that incident?
Minister reply
The UN Security Council has been discussing Venezuela today, and I am sure that those international discussions will continue. On the vice-president being sworn in, we continue not to recognise the legitimacy of the Venezuelan regime. We want to see stability and a transition to democracy. We are urging the vice-president now to take the steps for that transition to a democracy that respects the will and human rights of the Venezuelan people.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
In light of recent events, will the Foreign Secretary confirm whether specific allegations about Russia and Venezuela were raised in discussions with US counterparts? What response has she had?
Minister reply
We continue to have important discussions with the US on Ukraine support. Regarding Venezuela, we engage on security guarantees but also stress the importance of a democratic transition reflecting the will of the Venezuelan people.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
How should the Government approach international rules in light of current global power politics?
Minister reply
We believe in a rules-based order but also engage with the world as it is. We strive to maintain international law while navigating global tensions and competing interests.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
How can we defend international law when refusing to condemn blatant violations by President Trump in Venezuela?
Minister reply
We do not shed a tear for the end of the Maduro regime, which was corrupt and allowed foreign interference. We support democracy reflecting the will of the Venezuelan people.
Orkney and Shetland
Question
When speaking to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, did she condemn President Trump's assertion that he should run Venezuela?
Minister reply
We continue not to recognise the vice-president’s regime as legitimate in Venezuela. We press for a democratic transition reflecting the will of the Venezuelan people and work with the opposition.
Sonia Kumar
Lab
Dudley
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that any peaceful transition must be in the hands of Venezuelans, not dictated by foreign governments?
Minister reply
A peaceful transition to democracy reflecting the will of the Venezuelan people is essential. We continue to press for this and have spoken with María Corina Machado.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Will the Government use influence gained from silence on Venezuela to impress upon President Trump that hemispheric proto-colonialism threatens UK interests?
Minister reply
We strongly support Greenland's status within Denmark. We have made clear statements and are working closely with Danish authorities.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Question
What is to stop dictators around the world acting similarly if we do not condemn US actions in Venezuela?
Minister reply
Rules matter, but we must approach each situation realistically. We are clear about our stance on Greenland and other issues.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Has the Foreign Secretary reviewed the US national security statement that appears to give itself rights to intervene in western hemisphere countries for raw materials?
Minister reply
We have made representations on aspects of the US national security strategy where we take a different view. We continue to work closely with Colombia and other international partners.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Question
What specific actions will the Government take to stabilise Venezuela's situation, ensuring the Venezuelan people decide their own future?
Minister reply
We aim for a democratic transition respecting human rights. This includes ending political repression and releasing political prisoners, issues we have raised with US counterparts.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
How is the Commonwealth network engaged regarding Venezuela's neighbouring countries?
Minister reply
We are aware of the importance of the Commonwealth network across the Caribbean. We continue to engage relevant international partners.
Kirsteen Sullivan MP
Lab/Co-op
Bathgate and Linlithgow
Question
Sullivan questioned whether unilateral action by the US sends a dangerous message to other despots, endangering peace and democracy worldwide.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper responded that Maduro was an authoritarian dictator under investigation for crimes against humanity. She noted that while there is no doubt about Maduro’s illegitimacy, the UK remains committed to international law and the importance of countries respecting it.
Richard Tice MP
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Question
Tice asked for more details on how the UK can constructively influence an early return to democracy in Venezuela.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper emphasised the importance of stability as a prerequisite for democracy. She stated that preventing further instability is crucial and highlighted the need for political repression to end, with the release of political prisoners being a key demand.
Matt Western MP
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
Western inquired about how the UK should now view the US national security strategy after recent actions.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper pointed out that while the US and the UK have different priorities, they remain committed to the transatlantic alliance. She stated that it is important for the UK to advocate for international law and work with its closest allies.
Chester South and Eddisbury
Question
Brandreth sought details on steps being taken to prevent instability or exploitation by hostile actors post-Maduro.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper discussed the need for stability in Venezuela as part of a pathway to democracy. She mentioned discussions with US officials about ensuring stability and preventing destabilisation from Russia, Iran, and criminal gangs.
Warinder Juss MP
Lab
Wolverhampton West
Question
Juss welcomed the Government’s support for international law but questioned if Trump's actions created a dangerous precedent.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper stressed that upholding international law is vital to global peace and security. She acknowledged the need to work with reality on the ground while promoting democratic transition in line with international law.
Ellie Chowns MP
Green
North Herefordshire
Question
Chowns argued that Trump’s actions were a breach of international law and questioned if a year of pandering to him had emboldened him.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper reiterated the UK's commitment to promoting peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela. She stated that Maduro’s regime did not have popular support, as evidenced by the July 2024 election results.
Jon Trickett MP
Lab
Normanton and Hemsworth
Question
Trickett highlighted that Trump's actions broke all three conditions set for judging the transition to democracy in Venezuela.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper agreed that Maduro’s regime did not have support from Venezuelan people and argued for using Venezuelan oil benefits for its population. She emphasised the importance of a peaceful democratic transition.
North Cotswolds
Question
Clifton-Brown asked if Yvette Cooper would argue vociferously at the UN for the rules-based system and discuss realistic plans with US Administration.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper affirmed her commitment to arguing for international law through the UN and promoting a democratic transition in Venezuela where oil benefits its people.
Kim Johnson MP
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
Johnson questioned why Yvette Cooper and PM had not condemned Trump's actions, referring to him as a megalomaniac.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper stated that the UK does not shed tears for the end of Maduro’s regime but is committed to a peaceful democratic transition in line with international law.
Torbay
Question
Darling compared Trump's actions to Putin and sought assurance on forming a coalition capable of defending Ukraine.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper advised against suggesting equivalence between US actions in Venezuela and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She highlighted the UK’s continued work with the US in defence of Ukraine.
Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
Question
Witherden likened Trump's actions to criminal gang activities, questioning if deviant bullies like him will be emboldened.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper pointed out that Maduro was not recognised as a Head of State by the UK due to deep corruption and damage caused. She highlighted how neighbouring countries have suffered due to extensive operations from Venezuela’s criminal gangs.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Question
The Foreign Secretary has set out that it is possible to not shed a tear for Maduro’s removal but be concerned about upholding international law. In this regard, will the Foreign Secretary confirm her position on Greenland after speaking with US Secretary of State Rubio?
Minister reply
I have been in touch with the US Secretary of State about our position on Greenland and the Prime Minister made it clear today that we feel strongly that Greenland is part of Denmark.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Question
The Foreign Secretary agrees Maduro's fall should not lead to a green light for actions elsewhere. What is the assessment on global stability if dictators and despots follow suit?
Minister reply
We see Maduro as a dictator who no longer runs his country, but it is crucial that we uphold international law and our values.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Question
With the world questioning 'who’s next' after Venezuela, given the UK's role as UN Security Council penholder for Colombia, will representations be made to US counterparts to cease threats against Colombian peace?
Minister reply
The instability in the region has been exacerbated by Maduro and we support the peace process agreed with Colombia. We believe it is extremely important and will continue to work on it through the UN.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
Why did it take so long for the Prime Minister to publicly support Denmark, after other countries did?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister did so this morning when he was asked about it.
Alan Gemmell
Lab
Central Ayrshire
Question
Is the Foreign Secretary sure that we can maintain our position at the Security Council and promote our values, interests and the rules-based order?
Minister reply
We need to continue promoting international law and upholding the principles of the UN charter in all our debates.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Does Britain act as America’s best friend by telling them when they are wrong, not going into toadying mode?
Minister reply
The UK has set out a different foreign policy approach based on peaceful transition, support for democracy and promotion of international law.
Alex Sobel
Lab/Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
Does the Secretary of State share concern that allies in Ukraine, Taiwan are less secure now?
Minister reply
We must maintain rules-based alliances including NATO which is built on our values and laws.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Question
What risk assessments have been undertaken regarding the redeployment of naval fleets from various locations to Venezuela?
Minister reply
The undersea cable issue is important and we discussed it at NATO.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Question
Will the Government reaffirm their commitment to the UN charter as a key instrument of international law?
Minister reply
We continue to support the UN charter which is the foundation of our peace and security.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Question
Could she be clear on whether use of any US bases in the UK will be permitted for potential military action towards Greenland?
Minister reply
We do not want to see any military action in Greenland and it should not arise because this is a fellow NATO country.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
Will she assure me that she has stressed to her American counterparts the threat to peace in Colombia could unravel the 2016 accord?
Minister reply
We continue to support and uphold the 2016 peace accord as penholders, working closely with the Colombian Government.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
Following her discussion with Secretary Rubio, what assessment has the Foreign Secretary made of the risk that Venezuela may be the first domino in a chain across central America?
Minister reply
We recognise that the Maduro regime contributed to instability in Colombia leading to migration and criminal operations.
Torcuil Crichton
Lab
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary accept that US actions signal the end of the rules-based international order, and that this benefits our foes in the east?
Minister reply
We need to maintain support for the rules-based order while also upholding crucial partnerships such as the transatlantic one. We are strengthening European partnerships and investing in defence.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
Question
If a foreign power accused the British Prime Minister of breaking its domestic law, bombed targets in the UK, killed dozens of British citizens and abducted the Prime Minister and his wife, would this be legal under international law?
Minister reply
The hon. Member seems to draw an inappropriate equivalence between the Maduro regime and the democratically elected UK Prime Minister.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that these developments demonstrate the absolute priority must be deepening connections, hard and soft, with our own continent?
Minister reply
We are strengthening European partnerships and increasing investment in defence.
Esher and Walton
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary denounce the illegal actions of the US in Venezuela, including the snatching of its President?
Minister reply
The UK continues to argue for international law and ensure it guides our foreign policy decisions.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Question
Can the Foreign Secretary say how she used the UK intelligence before this operation? Secondly, on the question of accountability after an event, how will we call the US President to account?
Minister reply
On this particular operation, we were not involved or informed in advance, and nor were other countries.
Mike Martin
LD
Tunbridge Wells
Question
If the US were to abduct the premier of Greenland, would that be legal or illegal?
Minister reply
Again, I would say there is a continual searching for equivalence when it is really inappropriate to do so. The future of Greenland is for Greenlanders and for the Danes.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Question
Should we not be working more closely with the European Union and EU member states to deepen our security and economic ties?
Minister reply
We are strengthening our security co-operation with European allies, including NATO members.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Question
Do the Government support US colonial expansionism or do they believe in the rules-based world order?
Minister reply
The Government support democracy for Venezuela and respect for human rights of its people.
Penrith and Solway
Question
Will the Government press our American allies to ensure we see an early, credible election in Venezuela?
Minister reply
The hon. Member makes an important point about the way in which frameworks need to work but also that there needs to be a transition to democracy at the earliest opportunity.
Edinburgh West
Question
How are the Government going to reconcile their commitment to the rules-based international system with their failure to condemn US actions?
Minister reply
We need to ensure we can pursue our interests and also our values through discussions on Ukraine, democracy in Venezuela.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
Most Members of this House will agree with the Government that there are no tears to be shed over the removal of the brutal regime in Venezuela, but my question for the Foreign Secretary is this: how does such a desirable outcome impact on the Government’s view of what is permissible within international law?
Minister reply
There is always a debate to be had about how to respond to different kinds of hybrid threat and complex threat in different countries, and different interpretations can be made. That is also why we have said that it is for the US to set out its interpretation and its legal basis for any action that it takes, but we continue to promote the importance of international law as it is set out and the UN charter.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Question
From state-sponsored assassination attempts to illegal invasions, in recent years we have seen an alarming rise in the number of countries that are behaving like rogue states, including countries that are permanent members of the Security Council—I name Russia, given what happened on British soil, in Salisbury. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that international rules-based order and international law should be a fundamental principle and practice of the UK, and that we expect other countries to uphold that in all circumstances?
Minister reply
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. It could feel as if the rules-based order is under particular threat and challenge right now, but it has probably been under challenge before and it has endured, partly because countries like the UK have continued to advocate for it.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
Question
The people of Greenland are concerned today. I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement earlier that UK bases that are used by the US air force will not be used for any attack on Greenland. Will she confirm that she will make that clear to Secretary of State Rubio next time that they speak?
Minister reply
Let me be clear: the UK, Denmark and the US are all members of NATO. That is why it is so important that we continue to ensure the sovereignty of Greenland and of Denmark, and why we have made our views on that particularly clear to the US.
Glasgow West
Question
I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement. I agree with her that Maduro was a corrupt dictator, who frankly cared nothing for the lives of his own people. I welcome her comments about the importance of upholding international law, so does she agree that if we believe in a world order with clear rules about sovereignty, we cannot pick and choose when those rules do and do not apply? Otherwise, what is to stop others with further bad intentions from taking advantage of that situation and following suit?
Minister reply
We continue to support international law, to promote it, both publicly and privately, with our allies, and to pursue and sustain the alliances that are important as underpinning parts of the rules-based order, including our NATO alliance and our transatlantic alliance.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
Question
The Biden Administration offered a $25 million reward for the capture and detention of President Maduro, and this country has passively supported regime change in Venezuela since we froze the gold reserves held at the Bank of England in 2019. Now that President Trump has followed through on the implicit policy of both our countries and achieved the outcome that the whole world wanted, can the Foreign Secretary tell the House what conditions will need to be met for the money that is owned by the Venezuelan people to be returned by the Bank of England?
Minister reply
As the hon. Gentleman rightly points out, successive Governments have not recognised the Venezuelan regime, which is the basis on which the independent Bank of England took its decision. We continue not to recognise the Venezuelan regime because it is important that we have the pressure in place to have a transition to a democracy.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Question
There is an old warning from Benjamin Franklin: “If you do not hang together, you will hang separately.” Given the events in Venezuela in recent days, and given the active threats against Cuba and Mexico, in the past against Canada, and today against Greenland, I ask the Foreign Secretary, where is the line? For the United Kingdom, what now is the Rubicon, the crossing of which would force us to recognise that our silence today will lead only to greater challenge tomorrow? Is it not time that we hang together with our values-based allies to stand up against Trump’s colonial possession taking in central America, whether that is in the western hemisphere or elsewhere?
Minister reply
Again, to draw equivalence between different countries is the wrong approach. It does not recognise the scale of damage done by the Maduro regime or the fact that, in order to promote international law, we must promote the partnerships that underpin it.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Question
The unstoppable machine of American imperialist invasions has killed millions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria. From aiding, arming and abetting a genocide in Palestine, to now the invasion and abduction of a leader in Venezuela, for oil, minerals and gold, and to protect the petrodollar, this has nothing to do with democracy or narco-terrorism. With ongoing threats to Greenland, Cuba, Colombia and Mexico, the list of gangsterish aggression continues unopposed. Has the global rules-based order now collapsed, or did it ever even exist for western warmongering powers?
Minister reply
I strongly disagree with the hon. Member’s characterisation. We have a strong security partnership with the US and other countries, and not just through NATO but through a direct security partnership. The US is our strongest security ally and our alliance is based on values and principles.
Newton Abbot
Question
What message does the Foreign Secretary think that this weekend’s outbreak of unilateral acts of violence, kidnap and taking assets outside of international law sent to Valdimir Putin, particularly with reference to Russia’s view of the need to seriously negotiate peace with Ukraine? Will the Foreign Secretary confer with her Ukrainian counterparts about giving our Ukrainian guests the option of a right to settle in the UK? Will the Minister meet me and Ukrainian guests to discuss options moving forward?
Minister reply
It is fundamentally wrong to draw any kind of equivalence between what is happening in Venezuela and what is happening in Ukraine—they are fundamentally different. The US is playing a hugely important role in pursuing a peace process for Ukraine and in the discussions around security guarantees, which are immensely important.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
The Secretary of State is right that no one should shed any tears at the end of Maduro’s rule. Does it surprise her that Sinn Féin, first of all, defended the fraudulent election as being electorally robust, and then attended the President’s inauguration event in order to show what it said was “solidarity” with him? That highlights once again how it is still wedded to criminality and terrorism.
Minister reply
No one should be defending the Maduro regime. I have talked specifically to the US Secretary of State about the transition to democracy. The US has said that this is important, but we need to ensure that those conditions are in place, starting with the ending of political repression.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Question
Absent international rules-based order leads to chaos. We all know that within chaos there is order; sadly, that order is one in which the strongest survive and the most vulnerable and weak die. That is neither just nor morally right. How can we be champions of and advocates for the international rules-based order yet wholly equivocal when it comes to calling out this flagrant breach of international law?
Minister reply
We have set out our continued commitment to international law and the importance of maintaining some of the underpinning rules-based alliances that are so important for sustaining the rules-based order. That is why we will continue to argue for international law and to maintain things such as the NATO alliance and the partnership, and it is why we will continue to raise these issues publicly and privately with our allies.
Daisy Cooper
LD
St Albans
Question
President Trump’s actions are not about drugs; they are about oil. They are not about regional stability; they are about regional dominance. They are not about upholding the law; they are about breaking it. The Foreign Secretary has said that the Government have been clear, but she has not been clear on any of those three points. The world has changed this weekend, and it will change again very quickly. Can the Foreign Secretary say whether there is a single strategic decision or practical step that this Government have taken in the last 72 hours to shore up our national security or that of our allies, especially Denmark?
Minister reply
We have discussions going on in the coalition of the willing. There are preparations for them as we speak, because the discussions are being taken tomorrow. Those are all about strengthening our national security as part of strengthening Ukraine’s national security.
Adnan Hussain
Ind
Blackburn
Question
The Foreign Secretary has repeatedly emphasised the Government’s commitment to international law. I remain confused—as, I am sure, do many colleagues across the House—as to her position in respect of President Trump’s actions in Venezuela, whether they were in line with international law and whether she believes that breaching a nation’s sovereignty is, indeed, a breach of international law and order. It could simply be a yes or no.
Minister reply
As I have said, we will not shed a tear for Maduro and his deeply damaging regime. It is for the US to set out the legal basis of its actions, which we were not involved in. We will promote the democratic transition, which we have continually argued for as part of the policies on Venezuela that we have set out over many years, and we will continue to stand up for international law.
Eastbourne
Question
Throughout this statement the Foreign Secretary appears to have taken comfort from the UK not having been involved in the US’s illegal attack in Venezuela, but she cannot escape the reality that for as long as this Government fail to call out Trump for his actions, they are complicit in his demolition of the international rules-based order. When will the Government put their head above the parapet, in the spirit of the likes of Charles Kennedy back in 2003, and condemn the US President’s attempt to turn our world into his wild west?
Minister reply
The hon. Member should not make a false equivalence between different situations; it would be inappropriate to do so. We will continue to work with the US in the discussions this week on the defence of Ukraine, which is in itself about maintaining international law and the rules-based order, just as we will continue to raise issues around international law in our private discussions with it and in public debates.
Dorking and Horley
Question
Few of us regret the departure of Maduro, but many of us are alarmed by the breach of international law. However, I am most alarmed by Trump’s concurrent threat to Greenland and his previous threat to Canada. The Foreign Secretary says that she likes to deal with the world as it is, so precisely how many NATO allies does Donald Trump have to threaten until the Government recognise that he is a clear threat to the survival of liberal democracy in the 21st century?
Minister reply
We are working with the US Administration on support for Ukraine, which is about support for a democratic, sovereign state that has been threatened and invaded by an authoritarian Russian regime. It is the US that is pursuing peace and discussing security guarantees for Ukraine, so I really think the hon. Gentleman’s characterisation of the world we are in is just wrong.
Lewes
Question
There has been widespread speculation in recent days and hours about a possible US operation to seize a tanker that previously operated in Venezuela, which the United States has been pursuing and is now off the Irish coast. Any such operation would very likely involve UK air bases. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that any deployments of US forces from UK bases, whether in relation to this tanker or other targets that it may define in Europe, are in full compliance with international law?
Minister reply
We always ensure that any action the UK takes is in compliance with international law. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Ministry of Defence also takes issues of international law immensely seriously, and it is for it to comment on the way in which international law is applied.
Ian Sollom
LD
St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Question
At the weekend, Donald Trump invoked the Monroe doctrine. From her statement, the Foreign Secretary seems to accept that in some cases, the UN charter is secondary to great powers’ spheres of influence. What criteria does she use to decide when the charter is trumped by 19th-century thinking? She has talked a lot today about alliances; the great game of alliances in the 19th century ended very, very badly.
Minister reply
That is why the alliances we stand up for today are ones that are based on our values and on long-standing rules and relationships. That is what the NATO alliance is—it is based on our values and is immensely important. I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman is saying that he disagrees with the NATO alliance, which has been the cornerstone of our security for a very long time.
John Milne
LD
Horsham
Question
This Government have bent over backwards to not criticise President Trump directly, but that only makes him think he can get away with more and more. If President Trump really does invade Greenland, it is the end of NATO and the end of the special relationship, so will the Foreign Secretary accept that the best way for us to protect Greenland today is to explicitly say that President Trump is indeed acting outside international law?
Minister reply
Again, I think the hon. Gentleman wants to draw equivalences between a whole series of different situations. We have been very clear about our view on Greenland.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I definitely have the strongest legs in this Chamber—I have been bobbing for over three hours.
I thank the Secretary of State very much for her statement and her strong commitment, but will she further outline what support we can offer our US allies to ensure that democracy is restored—or indeed created—in Venezuela? That nation has great potential to do so much good. Further, what support can our UK Government offer to secure the daily needs of so many young people who have been ignored for many years and left in poverty for far too long?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right about the future of Venezuela and the future for the Venezuelan people, including young people who have been pushed into hardship and poverty by the corruption and criminality of the regime. There is now an opportunity, but it is very fragile. We have to ensure that we support stability in Venezuela and the transition to democracy, which is crucial. Those are the points we will continue to make as part of our discussions with the US, and that is the work that our embassy will continue to do on the ground.
Shadow Comment
Mrs Kemi Badenoch
Shadow Comment
I associate myself with the Foreign Secretary's condolences on Crans-Montana tragedy. While disappointed that the PM did not deliver the statement, I acknowledge the US's decisive action against Maduro's brutal regime and support the UK's policy of a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela. However, concerns arise about precedents set by US actions, especially regarding Greenland's future, emphasising the need to respect Danish sovereignty. Stability in the region is critical; we must listen to those risking lives for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Opposition leader María Corina Machado noted that Venezuela had already been invaded by Iran, Russia, drug cartels, Hamas, and Hezbollah, highlighting the necessity of addressing these threats.
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