Written question asked by David Lammy (Labour) on Thursday, 14 December 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 December 2023. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 December 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Guyana: Venezuela

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Venezuela on the border dispute with Guyana in the last three months.

Answer: The UK Government does not recognise the legitimacy of the Maduro regime. The recent steps taken by Venezuela with respect to the Essequibo region of Guyana are unjustified and should cease. The UK supports Guyana's territorial integrity. We are clear that the border was settled in 1899 through international arbitration. The statement by Venezuela in St Vincent confirming that it will refrain from the use of force and any further escalation is welcome and it must be followed by concrete actions. We will continue to work with our partners in the region and internationally to ensure respect for Guyana's sovereignty. I [Minister Rutley] visited Guyana on 18 December to show UK support for the Guyanese people on this vital issue.

Secondary information