Venezuela: socialism on the frontline
US militarisation is posing an increasing menace to the Latin American region

by Jeremy Corbyn in Tribune

For those of us on the left and for the labour movement in Britain, the progressive changes that have taken place in Venezuela over the past decade have been an inspiration. Venezuela and other radical governments in Latin America have shown that it is possible to put people before profit. By rejecting neo-liberalism and domination by the United States, they have developed policies that have transformed the lives of millions.

Now these changes are under threat from a new US militarisation of Latin America alongside a counter-offensive from right-wing political forces in the region. So it is vital that we encourage and build understanding in Britain about the importance of recent developments.

As the pressure rises in Caracas amid talk of US intervention against social progress in Latin America, the Morning Star got in touch with activists and figures involved in Venezuela's political struggles to get their views.

Their responses show not only the seriousness with which these developments are being taken by those centrally involved in the Bolivarian Revolution but also the crucial importance of expanding international solidarity.

Please take 10 seconds of your time to use the application below to ask your MP to sign the founding statement of the Venezuela Under Threat: Yes to Social Progress, No to US Intervention initiative, which reads:

"We stand opposed to the increasing US militarization of the region that is threatening to destabilise Latin America. This militarization - including plans by the US to build new bases in Colombia and Panama - is especially concerning given the context of the recent right-wing coup in Honduras and the discovery of similar plots in Ecuador and Paraguay.
 
Concern over these developments is particularly grave in Venezuela, where in recent years progressive government policies have transformed the lives of millions for the better. Having already experienced a coup attempt in 2002, the country is now surrounded by 13 US military bases.
 
We are therefore supporting the 'Venezuela Under Threat' initiative to urge that national sovereignty is respected and the tragic mistakes of US-backed bloody military coups and interventions in the 20th Century are not repeated."