Statement from the Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

As the Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, I, along with fellow Members of both Houses of Parliament who serve on this Group, wish to express our deep concern at the resignation of Afzal Khan MP from his position as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Türkiye, following sustained pressure from outside groups.

Mr Khan’s recent visit to the TRNC was conducted in a personal capacity, with the simple aim of fostering dialogue, understanding, and engagement. For such a visit to be met with hostility and the kind of political pressure that has led to his resignation is deeply regrettable.

Parliamentarians must be free to engage with communities, build relationships, and listen to different perspectives without fear of reprisal. Attempts to intimidate or silence parliamentarians undermine the very principles of democratic representation and parliamentary independence.

The APPG for the TRNC will continue its important work of promoting dialogue, deepening understanding of the issues facing Turkish Cypriots, and ensuring that their voices are heard in Westminster.

We stand in solidarity with Afzal Khan MP and reaffirm that Members of Parliament and Peers should never be deterred from engaging constructively on matters of international importance.

Lord Northbrook
Vice Chair, APPG for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus