Press release: PM statement following meeting with Julio Borges: 7 Sept 2017

We have been consistent in our condemnation of the actions of the Venezuelan government and in our unwavering support for the National Assembly as a democratic institution.

Today’s meeting is an unambiguous signal that the UK will continue to work with our international partners to put pressure on the authorities to decrease tension in Venezuela and prevent the country from being taken further away from democracy.

In particular we are deeply troubled by the detention of political prisoners such as Leopoldo Lopez, whose case we heard at Downing Street today.

Mr Lopez’s continued detention and the actions of the Venezuelan authorities in preventing his wife Lillian Tintori from travelling to Europe are a matter of great concern.

I once again urge the Venezuelan government to ensure that human rights, the rule of law, the separation of powers and the integrity of democratic institutions are respected.