MP quits trade envoy role after 'unacceptable' Cyprus trip

Labour MP Afzal Khan pictured during a press conference in London (Illustrative image) (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) Getty Images

Afzal Khan (Labour) has resigned as the UK's trade envoy to Turkey following a diplomatic row over his visit to Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus. The Manchester Rusholme MP stepped down on Friday after being photographed meeting Ersin Tatar, president of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The visit sparked condemnation from the Cypriot government and the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, which described Khan's actions as "unacceptable and provocative". Northern Cyprus has been unrecognised by the UK, United Nations and international community since its self-declaration following Turkey's invasion of the island in 1974.

Government accountability under pressure

According to the Daily Mail, which broke the story six days before Khan's resignation, the trip was unauthorised and government ministers were unaware of his visit. Khan defended his actions by claiming the trip was personal to visit his nephew and receive an honorary degree, which he paid for himself.

In his resignation letter to the Prime Minister, Khan wrote: "This travel was unrelated to my role as trade envoy, however I understand the circumstances have generated controversy. It is my belief that trust in Parliament is paramount."

Official condemnation and political fallout

The Cypriot government welcomed Khan's resignation as an "important development" following his "unacceptable and provocative actions". The statement added: "The sound message is being sent that there is no room for tolerance, nor any possibility of a subdued reaction on our part."

Christos Karaolis, president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, described Khan's position as "clearly untenable" and his resignation as "both necessary and appropriate". He said the move "sends a clear message that UK officials must uphold international law and the principles of sovereignty, justice and reunification in Cyprus".

Opposition criticism of delayed response

Shadow foreign minister Wendy Morton welcomed Khan's resignation but criticised Sir Keir Starmer for not acting sooner. The Express reports that Khan had claimed 20 other British parliamentarians had visited northern Cyprus without facing similar criticism.

Turkish troops have occupied the northern section of Cyprus since 1974, with only Turkey recognising the breakaway territory. The ongoing division remains one of Europe's longest-running diplomatic disputes, with continued UN efforts for reunification.

Sources used: "Manchester Evening News", "Daily Mail", "Express", "BBC", "Sky News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.