Venezuela

Lord Sikka Excerpts

Wednesday 7th January 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Sikka]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to impose sanctions against the United States in response to its actions in Venezuela.

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Baroness Chapman of Darlington) (Lab)]

My Lords, the US is the UK’s principal defence and security partner. We do not have plans to impose sanctions on the US. We will continue to discuss evolving situations with our US counterparts as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate Government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.

[Lord Sikka (Lab)]

My Lords, in direct violation of Article 2(4) of the UN charter, the US has attacked Venezuela and kidnapped its President and his wife. The Prime Minister has failed to condemn the aggression and violation of international law, which will inevitably embolden Trump to annex other territories. Can the Minister explain why the Government have not imposed sanctions on the US, as they have on other gangster states, for violating the territorial integrity of a UN member state?

[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.