Nesil Caliskan MP calls for UK government engagement on Cyprus issue

Following the Prime Minister's historic visit to Cyprus earlier this month – the first by a sitting UK Prime Minister in over 50 years – Nesil Caliskan MP, Member of Parliament for Barking and the first UK MP of Turkish Cypriot heritage, has called on the Government to do more to help address the Cyprus issue.

Commenting on the visit, Nesil Caliskan MP said: “The Labour government is taking important steps to put the UK back on the world stage, but the UK has a historic role in the security and prosperity of Cyprus. We are also home to a significant Cypriot diaspora which continues to have close family and business ties to the island.

“For too long, the livelihoods of Turkish Cypriots have been impacted and they have been without a political voice on the international stage. The UK Government must now use this opportunity to help foster a political solution for Turkish and Greek Cypriots equally.” 

A copy of the letter is attached to this press release.

Detail on the Prime Minister’s visit to Cyprus can be found here: PM meeting with President Christodoulides of Cyprus: 10 December 2024 - GOV.UK

PM meeting with President Christodoulides of Cyprus: 10 December 2024 - GOV.UK

Prime Minister's visit to Cyprus

I am writing to you following the Prime Minister's historic visit to Cyprus earlier this month - the first by a sitting UK Prime Minister in over 50 years - as this Labour government takes important steps to put the United Kingdom back on the world stage. I recognise the visit's focus was to secure opportunities through a new strategic partnership and discuss joint efforts between the UK and Cyprus to combat Russian aggression in the region. As you will be aware, despite the fact there has been peace on the island for decades, Cyprus is a divided island. Lefkosa is described as the "last divided capital in Europe." Efforts to unite Greek- and Turkish-majority communities have failed for 50 years. The last significant attempt was the Annan Plan in 2004, with Turkish Cypriots voting in favour but Greek Cypriots voting against.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus remains unrecognised by the UK and other countries. This status is impacting the economic potential of the island, blocking trade and impacting the livelihoods of Turkish Cypriots. This also leaves Turkish Cypriots without a political voice in the international community, including in Europe, despite the fact Cyprus is an EU member. The UK has a historic role in the security and prosperity of Cyprus. We remain a guarantor of the country's independence dating back to 1961. The UK Government has two sovereign bases on the island that play an important strategic military role in the region, enhancing our national security. The UK Government therefore has a special role in promoting and supporting a political solution for the Cyprus problem.

The Cyprus issue is not only important for Cypriots living on the island, but also for the Cypriot diaspora community in the UK, both Greek and Turkish. Both communities still have close family and business ties to Cyprus. The island is also a popular holiday destination for Brits, many of whom own property on the island, including in the north, where the unresolved political situation leaves British property owners open to risk. This also results in no inbound direct flights to North Cyprus, other than via Turkey, adding further costs and inconvenience to British tourists.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nesilcaliskan.com