Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the position of the government of Venezuela regarding Guyana's Essequibo region, the security situation in Guyana, and UK's support for the territorial integrity of Guyana.

The UK is concerned by the recent steps taken by Venezuela with respect to the Essequibo region of Guyana. We believe the unilateral actions of Venezuela are unjustified and should cease. We are clear that the border was settled in 1899 through international arbitration. The UK supports Guyana's territorial integrity. The Foreign Secretary has reassured President Ali of this. We continue to work with regional partners and international bodies to de-escalate tensions.

Minister Rutley visited Guyana on 18 December to show UK support for its territorial integrity.