Jul92025

The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus hosted their annual parliamentary meeting and reception on Tuesday 8th July. The event’s Guest Speaker was Cyprus’ Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, who was followed by a Foreign Office Minister as well as speakers from the UK’s major political parties. Attendees of the event included 25 UK Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Parliamentarians from both Houses of Parliament, and 150 representatives of the Cypriot diaspora.

Europe Minister Marilena Raouna’s briefing highlighted Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the European Union, where “Cyprus will represent and negotiate on behalf of the 27 member states, charged with shaping a stronger, safer, more strategic EU.” The Minister also spoke about Cyprus’ role in the Middle East where it is “an enabler of security and stability, a safe harbour and a lighthouse, always a solution to the region’s challenges.”

The Minister also briefed attendees on the recent developments on the Cyprus issue. She said that “Tonight’s meeting comes just days before the tragic anniversary of the Turkish invasion and continuous occupation of part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus now persisting for over half a century.” “And it also comes ahead,” she said, “of the expanded meeting on Cyprus in New York set to take place on the 16th and 17th of July.” She commented that these “are tangible steps that demonstrate our commitment to resume negotiations from where they were left at Crans Montana.”

In her remarks, the Minister also emphasised the further improving ties between the UK and Cyprus, as shown by recent official meetings between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. She said that “We are forging mutually beneficial strategic partnerships with like-minded countries, with key allies and partners and the UK is one such partner.”

In her speech, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Minister, Catherine West MP, said that “tonight is a real celebration of friendship between Cyprus and the UK against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile world.” This was clear she said “when the Prime Minister made his historic trip to Cyprus at the end of last year – the first in 50 years.”

Ms West went on to say that the “UK supports the UN and its vision […] as it works to bring Cypriots together” She added that “we are ready to play our part in ushering in unity, supporting the UN.” “Cyprus has shown real leadership in encouraging dialogue in the Middle East,” she continued, “and we hope the same spirit will continue to guide efforts towards a settlement that improves life for all Cypriots.”

Speaking on behalf of the UK Opposition was Shadow Europe Minister Wendy Morton MP. She reiterated the “longstanding principled support of the Conservative Party for the reunification of Cyprus and for a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue.” The “comprehensive settlement based on the bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as set out in UN resolutions,” she said, “is the only viable and internationally accepted framework to resolve the Cyprus issue.”

Ms Morton said that this month “we will mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, an anniversary that brings sorrow and urgency.” She continued that “over five decades on, the continued division of the island and the occupation of more than a third of its territory remain a stark reminder that peace, reconciliation and reunification are long overdue.”

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Women and Equalities and Scotland, Christine Jardine MP, spoke at the event, reinforcing that UK and Cyprus’ “friendship, interdependence and our trade links that make our relationship special.” This was “why,” she added, “each of the political parties I believe will continue to support the United Nations resolutions and the endeavour of recreating a reunited Cyprus.”

Stephen Gethins MP, the SNP Spokesperson for International Affairs, also gave an address. He said that that “we are lucky enough in Scotland to have 3000 Cypriots who call Scotland their home and they make Scotland – and I think it goes for the rest of the UK – a better place in which to live and work.” “Let me just reaffirm,” he stated, “that we stand by the international rule of law and we stand by territorial integrity and we thank [Cyprus] for your friendship.”

Honorary President of the APPG for Cyprus Sir Roger Gale MP, stated that he had “addressed these meetings for many years and this is the first time I have done so as an Honorary Citizen of Cyprus.” Sir Roger said that “we cannot have a member-state of the Council of Europe land belonging to another member-state of the Council of Europe, this is wrong and there has to be a settlement.”

Sir Roger also noted the “degree of trust that has been placed in Cyprus by the international community in their humanitarian role in the Middle East.” He continued that Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides “has gone the extra mile in trying to make facilities, humanitarian aid, medicine and food available to those suffering in Gaza.”

Bambos Charalambous MP, the Chairman of the APPG for Cyprus, chaired the evening’s reception. He welcomed the main speakers and attendees of the event and also said that it shows the “support that Cyprus has in Parliament” and that “the issue of Cyprus transcends the main political parties.”

In his opening remarks at the event, Federation President, Christos Karaolis, said that “In recent years especially, the bilateral relations between the UK and Cyprus have gone from strength to strength, so there is much to celebrate.” This was shown, he said, by the fact that “Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Nikos Christodoulides have now met three times in a span of only nine months.”

Mr Karaolis also welcomed the upcoming UN-facilitated 5+1 informal meeting on the Cyprus issue. “The UK,” he said, “must continue to be unequivocal that the only basis for a solution is the agreed UN framework.” He continued that the “UK must do its utmost to urge Turkey to return to negotiations within this framework and drop its unrealistic and illegal demands for permanent partition.”

Following the main addresses, a reception was held where community representatives had the chance to meet with the Parliamentarians and Minister Raouna.

Photo credit: Stavri Kleanthous