U.K. Trade Envoy Resigns Following Controversial Visit to Northern Cyprus
British Labour lawmaker Afzal Khan has resigned from his role as the U.K.’s trade envoy to Turkey amid significant backlash regarding his recent visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a self-declared republic not recognized by the U.K. or most of the international community, reports 24brussels.
Khan’s visit included a meeting with Turkish-Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, which drew sharp criticism from both British politicians and the Cypriot government, who deemed it “unacceptable.”
The Cypriot foreign ministry stated, “The recent illegal visit of British MP Afzal Khan to the areas of the Republic of Cyprus occupied by Türkiye, as well as his meeting with Mr. Ersin Tatar, were unacceptable and provocative actions.” This condemnation underscores the sensitive nature of diplomatic engagements in the region.
Khan, in his resignation letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asserted that his visit was personal and not undertaken in his capacity as trade envoy. However, he decided to step down to avoid jeopardizing ongoing trade negotiations between the U.K. and Turkey, acknowledging the implications of his actions.
Wendy Morton, the British Shadow Foreign Minister, criticized Starmer for not having the foresight to dismiss Khan earlier, claiming a lack of courage to address the situation proactively.
Northern Cyprus remains a contentious point in U.K.-Turkish relations, following Turkey’s invasion in 1974, which resulted in a division of the island between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north. This situation complicates diplomatic relations and highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Cyprus’s status on the world stage.
