“Give Venezuela Back its Gold!”: MPs submit petition to Foreign Office

 Jeremy Corbyn MP, Richard Burgon MP, Baroness Christine Blower, and Francisco Dominguez, National Secretary of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, have submitted a petition to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, signed by thousands of people, demanding that the UK government release the 31 tonnes of Venezuelan gold being illegally withheld by the Bank of England.

The petition, launched by the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign (VSC), received a surge in support following the devastating earthquakes that struck the Latin American country on 24th June 2026. It is understood that the earthquakes have killed over 6,500 people and injured at least 20,000 people. There has also been at least $50 billion worth of damage caused to buildings and infrastructure.  The VSC argues that the gold must be returned to Venezuela, so that it can help the victims of this disaster and support reconstruction efforts.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has also formally requested the UK to release the gold, which has an estimated value of $4.6 billion (or around £3.5 billion). There have been thousands of sanctions and assets seizures imposed on Venezuela by the US and its allies, including the UK, since 2005 – following the election of left-wing leader Hugo Chávez. These sanctions, which have had deadly humanitarian consequences, were expanded during the first Trump presidency, and continue to be in place.

Jeremy Corbyn MP said: “Britain holds 31 tonnes of gold that belongs to Venezuela. That gold is needed for people to be educated, to feed themselves, and to redevelop the country following the earthquake. Britain must give it back.”

Richard Burgon MP said: “Thank you to the thousands of people who have signed the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign petition to get the gold returned to Venezuela. Venezuela not only has the right to this gold, but it’s needed to rebuild after the devastating earthquake.”

Baroness Christine Blower said: “The UK government needs to release this gold. Venezuela needs it, the people of Venezuela need it. It’s a moral question; it’s the right thing to do.”

Francisco Dominguez, National Secretary of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign said: “There is no moral, legal, or political reason for the UK government to retain this gold. It should be sent back right away, especially now that over 6,500 people have died as a result of the earthquake and this money is needed for the reconstruction.”

¡Viva la solidaridad! No to Trump’s War on Latin America

Sunday 27th September, 1pm, Ziba Restaurant (Ground Floor,) Racquet Club Hotel, 5 Chapel Street, L3 9AG.Register here // Invite friends here // Share on X, Insta & FBFrancisco Dominguez, Venezuela Solidarity // Marcos Lagier, Argentinian anti-fascist campaigner // Julia Felmanas, Brazilian Workers’ Party activist // Conor Murphy, SInn Fein Senator & Colombian election observer // Richard Burgon MP // Kim Johnson MP // John McDonnell MP // Sarah Woolley, BFAWU // Matt Willgress, Arise // Phil Liptrot, Thompsons Solicitors // Jess Barnard, Labour NEC // Colombian & Cuban speakers invited..Open to all. Refreshments provided, including a hot lunch. Part of the ‘Arise Solidarity Hub‘ during Labour Conference. Free event but solidarity donations here essential to hosting costs.