Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what representations he has made to his Venezuelan counterpart on that country's territorial dispute with Guyana.

The UK Government does not recognise the legitimacy of the Maduro regime. On 30 November, the Foreign Secretary discussed Venezuela's steps with respect to the region of Essequibo in Guyana with President Ali of Guyana. We consider the unilateral actions of Venezuela unjustified and have said they should cease. The UK is clear that the border was settled in 1899 through international arbitration. We will continue to work with partners in the region and international bodies such as the UN Security Council, the Commonwealth and the Organisation of American States to seek a peaceful resolution.