The Mayor of London says: "For many years people have demanded that social progress and democracy go hand in hand, and that is exactly what is now taking place in Venezuela. It therefore deserves the unequivocal support of not only every supporter of social progress but every genuine believer in democracy in the world".

President Chávez meets British trade union officials

President Hugo Chávez meets with the Trades Union Congress, which has about 70 affiliated unions and represents nearly 7 million workers.

Mr Chávez was welcomed to Parliament by Labour Friends of Venezuela chairman Colin Burgon MP, along with secretary Jon Trickett MP and treasurer John Cruddas MP.

President Chávez met with a group of British business people and representatives of economic sectors of the UK.

Tony Lloyd, MP: The need for engagement

According to Tony Lloyd: "The history of Latin America in recent times gravely illustrates that policies which seek to isolate and demonise sovereign nations only serve to radicalise governments and opposition groups, creating a situation of extreme polarisation and high instability. This cannot be in the UK's national interest"

"Chávez has funded extensive anti-poverty programmes in his own country, a literacy drive, health clinics in slum districts, aid to single mothers, free treatment to HIV/Aids sufferers, special tuition for early school-leavers, and evening classes for adults". Jonathan Steele and Duncan Campbell from The Guardian meet President Hugo Chávez.

John Pilger says: "Venezuela's president is using oil revenues to liberate the poor - no wonder his enemies want to overthrow him".

Julia Buxton: Redressing the balance

According to Julia Buxton: "Hugo Chávez Frías is a remarkably popular president. First elected to office in 1999, he has enjoyed a protracted honeymoon. The most recent opinion poll surveys demonstrate that with seven months to go until the next presidential election, he continues to command majority support".

Chávez the face of political change in Latin America

MP Diana Abbott, who met President Chávez during his visit to London, says: "He has held and won eight elections. And all of them have been certified by outside observers as free and fair. A political wind of change is blowing across Latin America; Chávez seems to personify it".

Interview with Venezuelan Minister of Energy and Petroleum and President of PDVSA

"Regarding natural gas, we have the largest reserves in Latin America, with 150 trillion cubic feet (tcf) in proven reserves and expectations offshore of another 200 tcf.", says Venezuelan Minister Rafael Ramírez.

Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the UK: Democracy, growth and society.

"The democratic government of Venezuela enjoys high levels of satisfaction amongst its people, while placing the country on a path of economic growth", says Ambassador Alfredo Toro Hardy.

Official: Proven reserves 80Bb crude and 151 trillion cubic feet natural gas

Venezuela has proven reserves of 80 billion barrels (Bb) of oil and 151 trillion cubic feet (Tf3) of natural gas, Luis Vierma, E&P deputy president of state oil firm PDVSA said.

Venezuela's first quarter GDP jumps 9.4% over last year

First quarter GDP in Venezuela was 9.4% higher than the same time last year, according to numbers released by Venezuela's Central Bank.