Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations the Government has made to the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on reported human rights violations in that country.

The UK Government shares the deep concern of the international community regarding the deteriorating political and economic situation. Since April, there have been more than 80 deaths during protests.

This is a critical time for Venezuela, and UK concerns over the situation have led Venezuela to be designated a FCO Human Rights Priority Country.

I met the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Samuel Moncada, in his previous role as Minister for Europe on 26 October. I raised UK concerns at the deteriorating situation and encouraged the Venezuelan Government to accept offers of international aid to address chronic shortages of basic food and medical supplies.

In March, I hosted a delegation of Deputies from the Venezuelan National Assembly and stressed the importance of an independent and empowered legislature. I issued a statement on 31 March echoing these views, following the Venezuelan Supreme Court's attempt to wrest power from the National Assembly.

In May, then Minister for Human Rights, Baroness Anelay visited Caracas and delivered clear messages to senior government and opposition figures, expressing our concern at the political situation and the need to respect the freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protests.

Following the 5 July attack on the National Assembly and its Deputies by pro-Government supporters, I issued a statement condemning the attack and calling for the Venezuelan Government to uphold the constitution and show respect for its democratic institutions.