The United Kingdom restated its position on Venezuela at the UN Security Council, stating that Nicolás Maduro’s claim to power lacks legitimacy and calling for full transparency around the July 2024 presidential election. A government statement published on GOV.UK framed the issue in terms of democratic accountability and the rule of law.
Drawing on independent domestic and international reporting, the UK said observers recorded significant irregularities and a lack of transparency during the vote. It added that Venezuela’s National Electoral Council had not published the full results of the July 2024 poll, and said all Venezuelans deserve a government that reflects their will at the ballot box.
The statement described political freedoms in Venezuela as severely restricted and said the broader human rights situation continues to deteriorate. It linked these trends to the erosion of political and judicial systems and expressed concern about the daily hardship facing citizens.
Humanitarian pressures were highlighted, including extreme poverty and failing basic services, which the UK said are driving a displacement crisis across the region. The UK affirmed that it stands with the Venezuelan people in pursuit of a democratic future and supports a peaceful, negotiated transition that respects the electorate’s will.
The security dimension featured prominently. The UK said drug trafficking and organised crime are endangering communities worldwide, undermining stability and shared security, and it committed to work with partners in Latin America and beyond to address the threat.
Reiterating its multilateral approach, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter as essential to maintaining international peace, security and the rule of law. It also described the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the cornerstone of ocean‑related international law, and pledged continued support for upholding it.
The Government concluded by saying it would continue to monitor the situation closely and work towards a negotiated outcome through international partnerships. For policy practitioners, the message confirms continuity in UK foreign policy: prioritising electoral integrity, human rights protections and coordinated action against transnational crime within a rules-based international order.