Tag: Articles

Lord Sharkey Highlights Decades of Turkish Cypriot Isolation During King’s Speech Debate

22 May, 2026

Speaking during the King’s Speech debate in the House of Lords, Lord John Sharkey highlighted the continued isolation faced by the Turkish Cypriot people and expressed cautious optimism that a new opportunity for progress on the Cyprus issue may be emerging.

Lord Sharkey reflected on the failure of past settlement efforts, including the collapse of the Crans-Montana negotiations in 2017, which he said ended after the Greek Cypriot side walked away from the process. He noted that Turkish Cypriots have spent decades living under isolation and embargoes despite not being responsible for the island’s continued division.

Welcoming the election of President Tufan Erhürman, Lord Sharkey quoted the President’s recent remarks that no solution can be achieved while ignoring the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people. He also pointed to changing geopolitical circumstances and renewed international engagement as reasons to believe that fresh opportunities may exist to move the Cyprus issue forward.

FFNC Calls for Turkish Cypriot Inclusion in Debate Over Britain’s Cyprus Bases

22 May, 2026

GB News

The Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign has reiterated that Turkish Cypriots must be included in any discussions concerning the future of Britain’s Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) in Cyprus, following renewed debate over the bases in British and Cypriot media.

In comments featured by GB News, FFNC highlighted that much of the current discussion has focused almost exclusively on the British bases and the Greek Cypriot administration while overlooking Northern Cyprus, where thousands of British nationals live alongside the Turkish Cypriot people. The campaign stressed that Turkish Cypriots are equally affected by regional instability and that their security concerns must be taken into account when governments assess developments on the island.

FFNC further noted that any future discussions regarding the status of the British bases concern all communities in Cyprus and cannot be conducted over the heads of Turkish Cypriots. The campaign emphasised that past experience has shown exclusion does not create stability and that any credible process must include Turkish Cypriots as equal participants.

Nick de Bois: EU Involvement in Cyprus Raises Serious Doubts Over Neutrality and Sovereignty

24 April, 2026

Politics.co.uk

In his latest piece for Politics.co.uk, former MP and ex-Special Adviser to the Department for Exiting the European Union, Nick de Bois, sets out a clear warning over growing European Union involvement in Cyprus-related discussions. He argues that recent signals from the European Council indicate a shift from neutral observation to active participation in matters concerning the United Kingdom’s Sovereign Base Areas – a move he describes as a direct intrusion into British sovereignty.

De Bois stresses that the bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia are not subject to negotiation, having been established as sovereign British territory under the 1960 independence arrangements. He cautions that even informal or exploratory discussions risk evolving into sustained political pressure, noting that similar patterns have been observed in other cases where long-standing arrangements were gradually challenged and weakened.

Crucially, he highlights the issue of EU impartiality in the Cyprus context. Referencing the 2004 Annan Plan, he points out that Turkish Cypriots supported reunification while the Greek Cypriot side rejected it, yet EU accession proceeded in a way that entrenched division and left Turkish Cypriots isolated. 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 continued exclusion will only deepen division and undermine prospects for a lasting settlement.

EU Pressure on UK Cyprus Bases Sparks Renewed Debate Over Turkish Cypriot Exclusion

19 April, 2026

The Express

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.

Calls to Reopen UK Base Talks in Cyprus Raise Questions Over Exclusion of Turkish Cypriots

22 March, 2026

The Independent

The Independent reports on rising tensions surrounding the United Kingdom’s Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, particularly RAF Akrotiri, amid wider instability in the Middle East. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the base would not be used by the United States for strikes against Iran, following diplomatic engagement with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides.

Crucially, the report highlights a significant development: for the first time since 1960, the Greek Cypriot leadership has formally called for discussions on the future of the UK bases. This represents a shift from longstanding arrangements and signals an attempt to reopen a previously settled issue tied to British sovereignty and the constitutional foundations of the island.

The article also reflects the position of the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus (FFNC) campaign, which made clear that any such discussions cannot take place without the inclusion of Turkish Cypriots. As stated, Cyprus is not a purely bilateral issue between the United Kingdom and the Greek Cypriot administration. Excluding Turkish Cypriots from discussions on sovereignty, security, and the island’s future risks further entrenching division and undermining long-term stability.

UK Recognises “The continued effectiveness of the IPC”

20 November, 2025

Politics.co.uk

The United Kingdom has for the first time issued a clear statement acknowledging the role of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) as an effective legal mechanism for property disputes in Cyprus.

In response to a written question in the House of Lords, the UK Government stated that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had ruled as recently as June 2025 that the IPC remains a valid domestic remedy, while the UK will continue to monitor its performance.

This development comes at a time when the Greek Cypriot administration continues to label the property issue as “unresolved,” despite nearly two decades of the IPC operating under international law and receiving support from major European institutions.

The UK’s response reinforces that the IPC is recognised and functioning, strengthening the TRNC’s position on property rights and dispute resolution on the island.

President Ersin Tatar Calls for UK Support for Two-State Solution in Cyprus

10 July, 2025

Politics.co.uk

In a wide-ranging interview with Politics.co.uk, President Ersin Tatar emphasised the need for international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and equal treatment of Turkish Cypriots.

He stated that federal talks have failed and urged the UK to embrace the two-state reality on the island.

Tatar also revealed that he met with former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss direct flights and stronger ties between the UK and TRNC.

The President made clear that Turkish Cypriots will no longer accept second-class treatment.

Cyprus Today Front Page: Call for UK–TRNC Direct Flights Gains National Attention

7 June, 2025

Cyprus Today

The campaign for direct flights between the UK and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) received national press coverage this week as Cyprus Today ran the story on its front page.

The article highlights the Early Day Motion (EDM 63709) tabled by Rt Hon Sammy Wilson MP, describing it as a “historic milestone” and the first positive parliamentary proposal for Turkish Cypriots in nearly 20 years. The motion has already received cross-party attention and support from other MPs.

The EDM calls on the UK Government to permit direct flights to Ercan International Airport, citing the hardship faced by over 300,000 Turkish Cypriots in the UK and thousands of British nationals in the North due to current travel restrictions.

Greek Cypriot Leader Responds to Direct Flights Motion But Ignores 2004 UK Promise

5 June, 2025

Tom Cleaver, Cyprus Today

Following the tabling of EDM 63709 in the UK Parliament, calling for direct flights to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides was questioned on the issue in an interview with Cyprus Mail.

His response avoided any mention of the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, where Turkish Cypriots overwhelmingly voted Yes to reunification while Greek Cypriots voted No — after which the UK, EU, and international community promised to end Turkish Cypriot isolation through direct trade and travel.

Instead, Christodoulides stated:

“The international community… has repeatedly taken a position on these issues. Especially Britain, which is a guarantor power and a member of the United Nations Security Council.”

The comments come as pressure builds on the UK Government to finally deliver on its commitment to Turkish Cypriots, 20 years after the failed reunification vote.

UK Parliament Bill Calls for Direct Flights to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

4 June, 2025

Tom Cleaver, Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail reports on a landmark bill has been tabled in the UK Parliament by MP Sammy Wilson calling for direct flights to Ercan Airport in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

This marks the first such proposal since 2007 and highlights growing parliamentary support for the rights and recognition of Turkish Cypriots.

The bill urges the UK Government to engage with the TRNC and reconsider outdated restrictions that isolate its people.

The move has been welcomed by campaigners as a major development in the fight for fairness, equality, and practical engagement.

It also reflects an increasing awareness in Westminster of the unjust treatment Turkish Cypriots face.