Venezuela

Baroness Ludford Excerpts

Tuesday 6th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I am happy to confirm to the noble Lord that our chargé in Caracas, Colin, is continuing to do the outstanding job that he has been doing for the last few years. He has excellent relationships that justify the fact that we kept our team there throughout this period.

On Greenland, rather than it being for me from this Dispatch Box, it is for the Kingdom of Denmark and its leadership to have whatever negotiations they feel inclined to have. If they wish us to support them in any way—diplomatically perhaps—then we will of course be interested to talk to them about that.

[Baroness Ludford (LD)]

My Lords, first, could the Minister tell us how she thinks that democracy can be introduced in Venezuela? Clearly, the agenda of President Trump is not about liberating Venezuela or bringing in democracy, so how do our Government see that happening? Repression and banditry are continuing on the streets of Caracas—how are we going to get from there to democracy? Secondly, the Minister praised the Prime Minister for managing the relationship with President Trump. What will it take for the Prime Minister to switch from managing his relationship with President Trump to challenging President Trump?