Jeremy Corbyn hosted a diplomat for Venezuela's President Maduro in Parliament despite huge protests in Caracas demanding he stand aside.

The Labour leader refused for months to issue any criticism of the socialist leaders despite mass protests and outbreaks of violence against his regime.

Mr Corbyn hosted the diplomat - thought to be Rocío Del Valle Maneiro González - as a rival to Maduro, Juan Guaido, declared himself interim president after winning elections to the National Assembly, City AM revealed.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt today said Britain backed Mr Guaido's claim to power, following the United States, Canada and Brazil.

Maduro is accused of stealing last year's presidential election amid hyperinflation, power cuts and shortages of basic items.

Jeremy Corbyn hosted a diplomat for Venezuela's President Maduro in Parliament despite huge protests demanding he stand aside (pictured is the meeting taking place last night). Venezeulan diplomat Rocío Del Valle Maneiro González is thought to be sat with her back to the camera at the left of the table

Mr Guaido has been recognised as President by Donald Trump's United States and a raft of other south American nations.

In response, the Maduro regime cut off diplomatic ties with the countries involved.

Asked for Mr Corbyn's current view on the Venezuelan government today, a Labour spokesman said: 'We oppose outside interference in Venezuela, whether from the US or anywhere else: the future of Venezuela is a matter for Venezuelans.

'There needs to be a peaceful dialogue and a negotiated settlement to overcome the crisis in Venezuela.'

Tory MP Simon Clarke told MailOnline: 'There is no end to the excuses Jeremy Corbyn will come up with to avoid condemning a regime that has descended into brutality and left so many of its people in degrading poverty.

'Even when they have risen up against Maduro, Mr Corbyn still defends his crony on the basis he is a good socialist.

'It's a reminder of what a nightmare world we would enter if these people ever entered government here.'

Mr Hunt said last year's presidential election was 'deeply flawed' as he endorsed Mr Guaido as the rightful president.

And in a warning to left-wing Labour politicians who have backed the socialist Maduro regime in the past, he added: 'For anyone in the UK who thinks that Venezuela is an example, who thinks that we should be adopting the policies supported by the discredited Maduro regime, they need to look at their TV screens and think again.

'This regime has caused untold suffering to its people.'

Theresa May's official spokesman said Britain recognises states rather than specific government's - but launched fierce criticism of the Maduro regime.

He said: 'The 2018 presidential election in Venezuela was neither free nor fair, so the regime's basis for power is deeply flawed.

'We fully support the democratically elected National Assembly, with Juan Guaido as its president.

'In relation to the US, we think it's totally unacceptable for Venezuela to cut off diplomatic ties.

'The solution to this crisis lies in working to find a peaceful and diplomatic solution, not in expulsions.

Juan Guaido (pictured in Caracas yesterday), has declared himself interim president after winning elections to the National Assembly

President Maduro (pictured earlier in January) is accused of stealing last year's presidential election amid hyperinflation, power cuts and shortages of basic items.

'The political crisis has gone on long enough. Now is the time to find a way forward that leads to a peaceful solution for all Venezuelans.

'The Venezuelan government needs to respect the authority of the National Assembly.'

Mr Guaido, leader of the centre-left Popular Will Party, attempted to call an end to Maduro's 'dictatorship' yesterday and was recognised by Mr Trump as the country's interim leader.

Mr Trump has hinted at military action but the Kremlin warned of 'catastrophic consequences' if Washington intervened by force.

Moscow joined China, Turkey and Iran in standing firm behind Maduro.

The country's top military command has so far remained silent but is expected to remain loyal to Maduro, who has vowed to fight on despite protests, inflation and food shortages which have prompted millions to flee the country.