After the scandalous attack by Tony Blair last week on the Venezuelan government and Hugo Chavez in particular, an Early Day Motion, number 1644, on "Developments in Venezuela" has been put down and so far signed by 72 MPs. The motion recognises the achievements of Venezuela in the recent period and calls on the British Parliament to support Chavez. It has been put down by Colin Burgon, the MP who sparked off Blair’s remarks by posing a question to him on Venezuela. Among the signatories are John McDonnell and Jeremy Corbyn, both members of the National Steering Committee of the Hands Off Venezuela Campaign. Here we provide the text of the motion and the list of signatories:

"That this House recognises the progress that is being made by the democratically-elected government of Venezuela in expanding the provision of education, healthcare, housing, land, food and micro-credit facilities for those previously marginalised and excluded from economic and political opportunities in the country; notes that these important policy initiatives are an important step in reducing the searing inequalities that characterise Venezuelan society; further notes that the social policies of the Venezuelan government enhance the country's prospects of meeting its millennium development goals; and calls upon the UK Government to acknowledge the benefits of the Venezuelan social development model for other developing countries, to support the democratically-elected administration of President Hugo Chavez in the face of unconstitutional and illegal threats from both internal and external opponents and to work to strengthen the ties between the UK and Venezuela."

Early Day Motion 1644, "Developments in Venezuela" put down by Colin Burgon MP on February 14, 2006

[To see the original motion go to http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=30086&SESSION=875]

Signatories:

Burgon Colin, Trickett Jon, Gibson Ian, Clapham Michael, Corbyn Jeremy, Prentice Gordon, Morgan Julie, Price Adam, Purchase Ken, Singh Marsha, Skinner Dennis, Havard Dai, Henderson Doug, Heyes David, Hopkins Kelvin, Hoyle Lindsay, Iddon Brian, Illsley Eric, Jones Lynne, Kilfoyle Peter, Lloyd Tony, Mackinlay Andrew, Marris Rob, McDonnell John, Meacher Michael, Mudie George, Mullin Chris, Brown Nicholas, Burden Richard, Campbell Ronnie, Challen Colin, Chaytor David, Cohen Harry, Connarty Michael, Cook Frank, Cousins Jim, Cryer Ann, Cummings John, Davidson Ian, Dean Janet, Dobson Frank, Efford Clive, Ennis Jeff, Etherington Bill, Flynn Paul, Francis Hywel, Gerrard Neil, Abbott Diane, Grogan John, Hamilton David, Hamilton Fabian, Austin John, Battle John, Strang Gavin, Truswell Paul, Turner Desmond, Vis Rudi, Wareing Robert N, Wood Mike, Anderson David, Clark Katy, Goodman Helen, McGovern Jim, Riordan Linda, Devine Jim, Marshall David, Meale Alan, Caton Martin, Hancock Mike, Taylor David, Wyatt Derek, Hodgson Sharon