The ground shook in Caracas this morning. An earthquake, magnitude 5.8, struck the Venezuelan capital. The epicentre was near the Simón Bolívar International Airport. Video shows panicked travellers, cracked runways. British engineering firms are now on the ground. Sources tell me that Mott MacDonald and Arup have teams assessing structural integrity. This is no charity mission. This is about contracts.
Whitehall is watching. The Foreign Office has not yet commented. But whispers from the Department for International Trade suggest a potential tie-up. UK Export Finance could underwrite loans for reconstruction. The quid pro quo? Access to Venezuelan oil markets.
Let's be clear. This government loves a crisis. Covid, Ukraine, now this. Each disaster is an opportunity to sell British expertise. The narrative is already being spun: 'British engineering to the rescue.' But the real story is below the surface. Who benefits?
Mott MacDonald has form. They rebuilt the airport in Kabul after 2001. Arup worked on the Shard. Both firms know how to navigate corrupt regimes. Venezuela is prime territory. The Maduro government needs cash. Britain needs influence. A perfect match.
Backbenchers are restless. Labour has tabled questions. 'Is this about aid or trade?' they ask. The government will dodge. Expect a statement from the Business Secretary later. He will talk about 'resilience' and 'global Britain.' Do not be fooled.
I have spoken to a senior source at the FCDO. Off the record, they said: 'We are exploring opportunities.' That is diplomatic code for 'the lawyers are drawing up contracts.'
Meanwhile, the polling. YouGov shows public support for foreign aid at a low. But infrastructure spending abroad? Different story. The public loves a hard hat photo op. Expect a flurry of ministerial visits to Caracas.
Let us not forget the geopolitical angle. China has a foothold in Venezuela. Russia too. This earthquake is a chance for Britain to muscle in. Soft power, hard cash.
The airport will be rebuilt. That is a given. The question is: who will pay, and who will profit? Follow the money. The Lobby will be buzzing with this tomorrow. I will be in the corner of the Bunch of Grapes, listening.
Stay tuned.
