DEMONSTRATIONS took place on Sunday outside the US embassy in London and the US consulate in Edinburgh to protest against US government threats towards the democratically-elected government of Venezuela.

Demonstrators called for an end to US sanctions and the scrapping of the US presidential decree naming Venezuela as a threat to US national security.

The demonstrations were held to mark the international day of solidarity called by the Communist Party of Venezuela.

London district secretary of the Communist Party Stephen Johnson spoke denouncing the actions of the US government.

“The people of Venezuela have chosen a path of social liberation,” said Mr Johnson.

“They are challenging the power of big business. They are resisting external exploitation. All progressive people have a duty to defend the democratic choice of the Venezuelan people.”