Venezuela

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Wednesday 7th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

The United Kingdom Government work for the benefit of the United Kingdom’s people and it would not be in the British interest to impose sanctions on our closest intelligence and security partner. This relationship goes back decades; it is deep and it is serious. My noble friend’s Question, I am afraid, is simply not serious.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, a few hours ago, the United States carried out an operation in the North Atlantic to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker which originated in Venezuela, using military assets from UK bases. Were the UK Government consulted in advance on this and are they satisfied that this operation is indeed lawful?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

Of course, I am aware of the events in the North Atlantic. I understand that the Defence Secretary will shortly be making some remarks about this and I think it is better to allow the House to be updated properly in due course on this quickly evolving matter.