Boris the Barbarian scraps London-Caracas oil deal

The Tory Party has a long history of opposing radical governments in Latin America. Former Tory Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, was a close personal friend and advisor to the Chilean dictator, General Pinochet, as well as the Argentine Junta, before the Falklands conflict.

Boris Johnson

It is therefore no surprise that a few days ago London's Tory mayor, Boris Johnson, scrapped the discounted oil deal with the Venezuelan government which allowed half price bus fares for Londoners on income support. Johnson is an opponent of the Venezuelan revolution and was keen to distance his administration from the deal signed by the former Mayor, Ken Livingstone.

The scrapping of the deal means that bus fares for those on low income are expected to double by the end of year, causing serious financial hardship for the 80,000 Londoners who had taken advantage of the scheme.

The agreement was made when Chavez visited London in 2006, which bartered London's advice on city planning for cheap Venezuelan oil. Johnson has also scrapped the £67,000 unit in Caracas to oversee the arrangement.

"Clearly Johnson is being vindictive towards the poorest people of London who have benefited from this cheap oil deal. His hatred towards Chavez and the Venezuelan Revolution is revealed in this spiteful act", stated Rob Sewell of the Hands off Venezuela Steering Committee.

The attack by Boris the Barbarian is part of the general attack on the Venezuelan revolution, both from imperialism and the local oligarchy. We must step up the struggle to defend the revolution and assist its completion. That is the only real answer to the Boris Johnsons of this world.