UK Citizens in Venezuela

Earl of Courtown Excerpts

Thursday 4th December 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I can tell the noble Lord that the UK is not involved in any way in the activities of the US in this part of the Caribbean. I am struggling to see the parallel between the situations in Venezuela and Ukraine. There are very difficult problems to address in both places. Our position on Ukraine is clear. We do not recognise the legitimacy of Maduro’s Government because of the way in which the election was conducted and the failure of the regime to publish reliable results.

[The Earl of Courtown (Con)]

My Lords, as the Minister has said, the situation in Venezuela is very concerning. Given our special relationship with our US allies, what conversations are ongoing with the US Government to ensure that our Government have the up-to-date information needed to safeguard British citizens in the country? I noticed that travel advice for Venezuela was last updated on 23 November. Will this be further updated?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

It will be updated if it needs to be changed; just because it has not changed does not mean it is not reviewed. Unfortunately, Venezuela is now in an “all but essential” category, and certain border areas are in a red category. That being said, our citizens do not always adhere to the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. We estimate that there are around 500 British nationals in Venezuela. They are mostly going to be dual nationals or people who have lived there for a very long time and who understand the limited nature of the consular assistance that we are able to provide.