The Express reports on growing political pressure surrounding the United Kingdom’s Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, with warnings that the European Union is attempting to insert itself into discussions over British sovereignty. The article highlights concerns raised by former MP and ex-Special Adviser to the Department for Exiting the European Union, Nick de Bois, who cautions against any process that could reopen what has long been considered a settled issue.

De Bois argues that there is a “coordinated effort” involving the EU to challenge the status of the bases, stressing that they are sovereign British territory established by treaty in 1960 and are not open to negotiation. He warns that even informal discussions risk evolving into sustained political pressure, drawing parallels with other cases where longstanding arrangements have been gradually undermined.

Crucially, the article again brings attention to the broader Cyprus context, with de Bois highlighting the European Union’s record on impartiality. He points to the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, where Turkish Cypriots supported reunification but were left isolated after the Greek Cypriot rejection was followed by EU accession. The Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus (FFNC) campaign reiterates that any discussions concerning sovereignty, security, or the future of the island must include Turkish Cypriots, warning that exclusion will only deepen division.