Jeremy Corbyn facing serious repercussions for silence on Venezuela, ex-minister warns
JEREMY Corbyn’s lack of response to the crisis in Venezuela could have serious repercussions for his leadership, a former Labour minister has warned.
Frank Field: How Jeremy Corbyn responds to Venezuela is crucial
The Labour leader remained steadfastly silent as violence ravages the South American state, with kidnappings and mass murders taking place daily over the past few weeks.
Frank Field, Tony Blair’s minister for welfare reform, said Venezuela’s “desperate” situation could have a serious affect on younger supporters who have boosted socialist Mr Corbyn’s popularity.
The MP said Mr Corbyn’s failure to comment on Venezuela will be more devastating than Tory attempts to highlight his links to Irish republicans during the General Election campaign.
In 2015, the Labour leader praised Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s regime, saying its success in areas such as health and education were a “cause for celebration”.
Mr Field, MP for Birkenhead, told BBC Radio 4’s Westminster Hour: “I do think one of the worries that people may have is 'do we believe in parliamentary government or not' and therefore how this runs is totally different to what the links may or may not have been with the IRA, when most people were not born.
“I think how he responds on this is crucial. And I think what’s going on in Venezuela is desperate.”
The shadow cabinet has urged their leader to condemn Venezuela’s “out of control” President.
A source told the Daily Telegraph: “Jeremy Corbyn really has to think about how this looks to the British public. Venezuela is in a state of chaos and President Maduro is out of control.
"I sincerely hope that Jeremy condemns these atrocities at the earliest opportunity."
Jeremy Corbyn has remained silent over the situation in Venezuela
This afternoon Theresa May’s official spokesman called on Venezuela’s government to release political prisoners and show respect for democracy and human rights.
She condemned the regime for forcing through a constituent assembly which did not represent the will of the people.
Jeremy Corbyn was a big fan of Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chavez
Frank Field warned his leader needs to be careful otherwise he will lose his young supporters
The Prime Minister’s spokesman, said: “It is a tragedy that so many people have lost their lives in protests in Venezuela.
“We’re clear that urgent action must be taken to stop the situation getting worse.
“The UK has repeatedly called on the Maduro government to work with the opposition, release political prisoners and show respect for democracy and human rights.”