MPs urge better diplomatic relations with Venezuela

LEFTWING lawmakers in Britain are urging their government to "improve diplomatic relations" with Venezuela after Labour MP John McDonnell raised a parliamentary motion on the subject of constitutional reform.

The Early Day Motion (EDM) welcomes "the advances made by the Venezuelan people since the election of President Chávez in 1998, particularly in the fields of healthcare, education, land reform and redistribution of wealth" before recognising that "the groundwork for these advances was laid by the adoption of the 1999 constitution."

It then "applauds President Chávez and his government for seeking to reform this constitution in an open and democratic way, with the maximum involvement of the Venezuelan people."

An EDM, although not legally binding, is an effective way of raising awareness among Members of Parliament and gauging support on a particular issue. All MPs are invited to add their names, thereby signing a de facto parliamentary petition.

Mr McDonnell tabled the motion, which is number 286 in the current session, with the backing of five other MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn, who is secretary of the British-Venezuela All-Party Parliamentary Group. Mr McDonnell is joint president of the Hands Off Venezuela campaign and was the first MP to raise a motion in solidarity with the Chávez government.

Referring to reports and rumours of sabotage, destabilisation and possible coup attempts in Venezuela, the motion "condemns any interference with this peaceful and democratic process in the lead-up to a referendum on 2nd December, particularly from the country's old elite and their allies in the US Administration."

Crucially, it "calls on the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to pledge their support for the progressive initiatives of President Chávez's government and attempt to improve diplomatic relations, which deteriorated rapidly after the UK Government's tacit support of the failed 2002 coup."

Hands Off Venezuela is calling on all British residents to check whether their MP has signed EDM 286 at edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=34397&SESSION=891 and contact their elected representatives via www.writetothem.com