20 years of UK solidarity: the fight against Yankee aggression continues
By Susan Grey
The Venezuela Solidarity Campaign’s online rally Sanctions Kill – US out of Venezuela & Latin America! saw a range of speakers from across the world mark the organisation’s 20th anniversary and discuss the importance of continuing its work in the face of crippling US sanctions introduced by Obama and intensified under Trump- themes which were outlined by the Chair (Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union General Secretary Sarah Woolley) after welcoming participants.
The first speaker was Kate Hudson, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament Vice President and a member of the VSC for 20 years. She recalled attending the World Social Forum in Caracas in 2006 during Chavez’s time as President – a seminal moment that highlighted the importance of international solidarity. It was inspiring to understand that progressive movements can work with the state, to oppose war and support the oppressed, including Palestine. The constitution, developed under Chavez, committed Venezuela to opposition to nuclear weapons, and that commitments has continued under President Maduro. Chavez’s vision was for peace through democracy, and central to this was the democratisation of institutions, such as ALBA. These represented a powerful move towards a multipolar world and that move remains in place today.
Fiona Sim from the Black Liberation Alliance spoke next. She had recently visited Venezuela as part of a delegation to take part in the International Anti-fascist Festival and attend the inauguration of President Maduro. She noted that we are currently living in tumultuous times, with widespread conflict and many examples of exploitation and oppression. However, she pointed out that we should resist the idea that such exploitation is inevitable and that Venezuela provides a significant force against imperialism and fascism. There is an economic war being waged against the country and it is vital that we fight against it. She remarked on how refreshing it was to be in Venezuela and meet campaigners against fascism from all over the global south and people from so many sectors of society out on the streets to join the celebrations on the streets for President Maduro’s inauguration. Finally, she emphasised how the fight against imperialism and fascism must continue and we should and stand side by side with anti-fascist organisations and show our solidarity with Venezuela.
At this point Matt Willgress from the VSC spoke briefly to remind the meeting of the work done in solidarity with Venezuela- in particular the campaign against US sanctions and the withholding of Venezuela’s gold by the Bank of England. The campaign can only function through the support of its members and the work of its volunteers, so participants at the meeting were urged to join the VSC, ask their trade union branches to affiliate, and if possible make a donation towards the cost of the meeting.
Dáire Hughes, Sinn Fein MP for Newry and Armagh, spoke next. He reminded the meeting how the Irish have felt the sting of occupation and feel an affinity with all who struggle against colonialism. Sinn Fein stands in support of self-determination and the right of democratically elected governments to govern in the interests of the people. The sanctions imposed on Venezuela go against these principles and cause great damage to the people of Venezuela. He called for an end to imperialism and the exploitation of people and reiterated the importance of standing firm against foreign interference.
The next speaker was Carlos Ron, Former Vice-Minister, Foreign Affairs and President of the Simon Bolivar Institute for Peace and Solidarity Among Peoples. He said it was an honour to celebrate the VSC’s history of solidarity, and paid tribute to all who have decided to take up the cause of Venezuela and help the struggle to protect the lives of the Venezuelan people. He commented on the many attempts that have been made to derail Venezuela, but emphasised that Venezuelans are a proud and strong people and that our work in Britain is in solidarity with an ongoing process of deepening democracy and promotion of national unity. He also emphasised how, despite sanctions and attempted destabilisation, Venezuela is a force for peace. This position has been taken strongly by President Maduro in his recent call to end aggression and hold a global summit for peace, including the dismantling of Israel’s nuclear arsenal, and for the right of the Palestinian State to exist.
Alicia Castro, former Argentinian Ambassador to Venezuela and the UK, was next to speak. She remembered the early days of VSC when she was in Britain and worked with the International Transport Workers Federation. A constant problem over the years has been the misinformation spread about Venezuela and she urged everyone to go to Venezuela if possible and find out the truth for themselves. She recalled a conversation with Julian Assange in which he showed her an NSA document from 2007 disclosed by Edward Snowden. The document listed six countries, including Venezuela, identified by the USA as “enduring targets”. It was clear even then that the intention of the US was to prevent Venezuela’s leadership and influence in the region. The regime change agenda was established very early. Alicia went on to discuss how the Venezuelan people reacted. As mentioned by other speakers, the Venezuelan people are very aware of their history. At President Maduro’s inauguration it was clear that the people are aware of the ongoing struggle and believe that the values of Hugo Chavez live on and the fight continues, as it does elsewhere, including her own country of Argentina. She said she hopes we could build an anti-fascist programme in the UK and continue the struggle for a multi-polar world, united against fascism.
The next speaker was Gawain Little, General Secretary of the General Federation of Trade Unions. He recalled attending the Youth Festival in Venezuela 20 years ago, as a Youth Member of the National Union of Teachers (now part of the National Education Union). There were about 16,000 visitors to the festival, and accommodation was provided for them in partially built houses that were part of an ongoing project to address Venezuela’s housing problem. It was clear that the government was also tackling other social issues, such as literacy and access to medical care, as well as cultural projects and improvements to democratic processes. At the time the population was also heavily involved with discussion of the new constitution. He remarked on how this contrasts with the current situation in the UK where activists are targeted and silenced. Venezuela does have an active opposition, but it is important to note that many of those opposition groups are far right extremists. He echoed President Maduro’s call for a world forum for peace and reminded the meeting that we can learn a lot from Venezuela and how it stands up to imperialism. He emphasised the importance of solidarity with Venezuela, which he sees as an issue for trade unions as well as individuals.
Vijay Prashad, author and director of Tricontinental, was unable to participate live but sent a video to the meeting. He began by pointing out that what to US is doing to Venezuela is not sanctions, but illegal unilateral coercive measures, contrary to the UN Charter of 1945. According to the Charter measures should be backed by UN resolutions and a country cannot force other countries not to trade with Venezuela. The whole system of US sanctions is illegal. Venezuela is the victim of a hybrid war. The US may not be dropping bombs, but it is waging economic war, preventing normal basic trade with other countries. What is happening to Venezuela is similar to the blockade against Cuba, and is repeated in other countries sanctioned by the US. However, he emphasised that Venezuela is entitled to resist this illegal economic war.
The final speaker was Francisco Dominguez, Secretary of Venezuela Solidarity Campaign. He began with an anecdote about an early delegation to Venezuela. While there he bought some black beans in a subsidised supermarket and noticed that on the back of the package there were printed excerpts from the Venezuelan constitution. He was struck by how these small measures contributed to the politicisation of the people.
Turning to the 20 years of VSC campaigning, he highlighted three important principles. First, to defend the right of Venezuela to determine its future. The VSC does not try to tell Venezuela what to do. Second, to demand the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures. Third, to produce articles explaining the issues to the people. Over the years VSC has produced hundreds of fact sheets, articles and other material. One early pamphlet spelled out the nature of the Bolivarian Revolution, combining social projects and increased democracy. Other publications included a pamphlet on the Venezuela Labour Law, detailing many improvements in workers rights. When US plans emerged to install military bases around Venezuela another pamphlet was produced to explain the history of US militarisation in Latin America and the threat it posed in the region. VSC’s information campaign has also focused on the harm done to the Venezuelan people by the US’s coercive measures, including deaths caused by lack of access to medication. The economy has also suffered, with sanctions causing the loss of 99% of Venezuela’s revenue.
Reflecting on Venezuela’s experience since the death of Hugo Chavez, Francisco commented that President Maduro has been through tough times, taking on the leadership at a time of extreme crisis but somehow managing to restore economic stability. The country used to be dependent on imports for food, but since Maduro became president this has turned around and the country is now 97% self-sufficient in food and the economy is starting to grow. He noted that the US cannot tolerate Venezuela’s success. Extreme right activists have not given up their attempts at destabilisation. Recent examples include attempting to implicate Venezuela in providing weapons to Iran, and trying to persuade the US to attack militarily. So the work to counter US interference goes on. Venezuelan grassroots organisations provide a vital resistance within Venezuela and VSC will continue to provide international solidarity from the UK.
- You can watch the Sanctions Kill – US out of Venezuela & Latin America! rally in full here.
- Susan Grey is an international solidarity campaigner- you can follow her on Twitter/X and BlueSky.
- You can follow the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign on Facebook and Twitter/X.
- If you support Labour Outlook’s work amplifying the voices of left movements and struggles here and internationally, please consider becoming a supporter on Patreon.
By Susan Grey
The Venezuela Solidarity Campaign’s online rally Sanctions Kill – US out of Venezuela & Latin America! saw a range of speakers from across the world mark the organisation’s 20th anniversary and discuss the importance of continuing its work in the face of crippling US sanctions introduced by Obama and intensified under Trump- themes which were outlined by the Chair (Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union General Secretary Sarah Woolley) after welcoming participants.
The first speaker was Kate Hudson, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament Vice President and a member of the VSC for 20 years. She recalled attending the World Social Forum in Caracas in 2006 during Chavez’s time as President – a seminal moment that highlighted the importance of international solidarity. It was inspiring to understand that progressive movements can work with the state, to oppose war and support the oppressed, including Palestine. The constitution, developed under Chavez, committed Venezuela to opposition to nuclear weapons, and that commitments has continued under President Maduro. Chavez’s vision was for peace through democracy, and central to this was the democratisation of institutions, such as ALBA. These represented a powerful move towards a multipolar world and that move remains in place today.
Fiona Sim from the Black Liberation Alliance spoke next. She had recently visited Venezuela as part of a delegation to take part in the International Anti-fascist Festival and attend the inauguration of President Maduro. She noted that we are currently living in tumultuous times, with widespread conflict and many examples of exploitation and oppression. However, she pointed out that we should resist the idea that such exploitation is inevitable and that Venezuela provides a significant force against imperialism and fascism. There is an economic war being waged against the country and it is vital that we fight against it. She remarked on how refreshing it was to be in Venezuela and meet campaigners against fascism from all over the global south and people from so many sectors of society out on the streets to join the celebrations on the streets for President Maduro’s inauguration. Finally, she emphasised how the fight against imperialism and fascism must continue and we should and stand side by side with anti-fascist organisations and show our solidarity with Venezuela.
At this point Matt Willgress from the VSC spoke briefly to remind the meeting of the work done in solidarity with Venezuela- in particular the campaign against US sanctions and the withholding of Venezuela’s gold by the Bank of England. The campaign can only function through the support of its members and the work of its volunteers, so participants at the meeting were urged to join the VSC, ask their trade union branches to affiliate, and if possible make a donation towards the cost of the meeting.
Dáire Hughes, Sinn Fein MP for Newry and Armagh, spoke next. He reminded the meeting how the Irish have felt the sting of occupation and feel an affinity with all who struggle against colonialism. Sinn Fein stands in support of self-determination and the right of democratically elected governments to govern in the interests of the people. The sanctions imposed on Venezuela go against these principles and cause great damage to the people of Venezuela. He called for an end to imperialism and the exploitation of people and reiterated the importance of standing firm against foreign interference.
The next speaker was Carlos Ron, Former Vice-Minister, Foreign Affairs and President of the Simon Bolivar Institute for Peace and Solidarity Among Peoples. He said it was an honour to celebrate the VSC’s history of solidarity, and paid tribute to all who have decided to take up the cause of Venezuela and help the struggle to protect the lives of the Venezuelan people. He commented on the many attempts that have been made to derail Venezuela, but emphasised that Venezuelans are a proud and strong people and that our work in Britain is in solidarity with an ongoing process of deepening democracy and promotion of national unity. He also emphasised how, despite sanctions and attempted destabilisation, Venezuela is a force for peace. This position has been taken strongly by President Maduro in his recent call to end aggression and hold a global summit for peace, including the dismantling of Israel’s nuclear arsenal, and for the right of the Palestinian State to exist.
Alicia Castro, former Argentinian Ambassador to Venezuela and the UK, was next to speak. She remembered the early days of VSC when she was in Britain and worked with the International Transport Workers Federation. A constant problem over the years has been the misinformation spread about Venezuela and she urged everyone to go to Venezuela if possible and find out the truth for themselves. She recalled a conversation with Julian Assange in which he showed her an NSA document from 2007 disclosed by Edward Snowden. The document listed six countries, including Venezuela, identified by the USA as “enduring targets”. It was clear even then that the intention of the US was to prevent Venezuela’s leadership and influence in the region. The regime change agenda was established very early. Alicia went on to discuss how the Venezuelan people reacted. As mentioned by other speakers, the Venezuelan people are very aware of their history. At President Maduro’s inauguration it was clear that the people are aware of the ongoing struggle and believe that the values of Hugo Chavez live on and the fight continues, as it does elsewhere, including her own country of Argentina. She said she hopes we could build an anti-fascist programme in the UK and continue the struggle for a multi-polar world, united against fascism.
The next speaker was Gawain Little, General Secretary of the General Federation of Trade Unions. He recalled attending the Youth Festival in Venezuela 20 years ago, as a Youth Member of the National Union of Teachers (now part of the National Education Union). There were about 16,000 visitors to the festival, and accommodation was provided for them in partially built houses that were part of an ongoing project to address Venezuela’s housing problem. It was clear that the government was also tackling other social issues, such as literacy and access to medical care, as well as cultural projects and improvements to democratic processes. At the time the population was also heavily involved with discussion of the new constitution. He remarked on how this contrasts with the current situation in the UK where activists are targeted and silenced. Venezuela does have an active opposition, but it is important to note that many of those opposition groups are far right extremists. He echoed President Maduro’s call for a world forum for peace and reminded the meeting that we can learn a lot from Venezuela and how it stands up to imperialism. He emphasised the importance of solidarity with Venezuela, which he sees as an issue for trade unions as well as individuals.
Vijay Prashad, author and director of Tricontinental, was unable to participate live but sent a video to the meeting. He began by pointing out that what to US is doing to Venezuela is not sanctions, but illegal unilateral coercive measures, contrary to the UN Charter of 1945. According to the Charter measures should be backed by UN resolutions and a country cannot force other countries not to trade with Venezuela. The whole system of US sanctions is illegal. Venezuela is the victim of a hybrid war. The US may not be dropping bombs, but it is waging economic war, preventing normal basic trade with other countries. What is happening to Venezuela is similar to the blockade against Cuba, and is repeated in other countries sanctioned by the US. However, he emphasised that Venezuela is entitled to resist this illegal economic war.
The final speaker was Francisco Dominguez, Secretary of Venezuela Solidarity Campaign. He began with an anecdote about an early delegation to Venezuela. While there he bought some black beans in a subsidised supermarket and noticed that on the back of the package there were printed excerpts from the Venezuelan constitution. He was struck by how these small measures contributed to the politicisation of the people.
Turning to the 20 years of VSC campaigning, he highlighted three important principles. First, to defend the right of Venezuela to determine its future. The VSC does not try to tell Venezuela what to do. Second, to demand the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures. Third, to produce articles explaining the issues to the people. Over the years VSC has produced hundreds of fact sheets, articles and other material. One early pamphlet spelled out the nature of the Bolivarian Revolution, combining social projects and increased democracy. Other publications included a pamphlet on the Venezuela Labour Law, detailing many improvements in workers rights. When US plans emerged to install military bases around Venezuela another pamphlet was produced to explain the history of US militarisation in Latin America and the threat it posed in the region. VSC’s information campaign has also focused on the harm done to the Venezuelan people by the US’s coercive measures, including deaths caused by lack of access to medication. The economy has also suffered, with sanctions causing the loss of 99% of Venezuela’s revenue.
Reflecting on Venezuela’s experience since the death of Hugo Chavez, Francisco commented that President Maduro has been through tough times, taking on the leadership at a time of extreme crisis but somehow managing to restore economic stability. The country used to be dependent on imports for food, but since Maduro became president this has turned around and the country is now 97% self-sufficient in food and the economy is starting to grow. He noted that the US cannot tolerate Venezuela’s success. Extreme right activists have not given up their attempts at destabilisation. Recent examples include attempting to implicate Venezuela in providing weapons to Iran, and trying to persuade the US to attack militarily. So the work to counter US interference goes on. Venezuelan grassroots organisations provide a vital resistance within Venezuela and VSC will continue to provide international solidarity from the UK.
- You can watch the Sanctions Kill – US out of Venezuela & Latin America! rally in full here.
- Susan Grey is an international solidarity campaigner- you can follow her on Twitter/X and BlueSky.
- You can follow the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign on Facebook and Twitter/X.
- If you support Labour Outlook’s work amplifying the voices of left movements and struggles here and internationally, please consider becoming a supporter on Patreon.
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