In a dramatic turn of events, the UK trade envoy resigns following a contentious visit to northern Cyprus. Labour MP Afzal Khan stepped down after facing fierce criticism for his trip to the disputed region. Khan, the trade envoy to Turkey, traveled to northern Cyprus last week. However, the UK does not recognize the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Turkish forces have occupied the area since 1974.
Additionally, Khan met with Turkish-Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. The Cypriot government condemned the meeting as “unacceptable.” Consequently, pressure mounted for his resignation after the UK trade envoy’s controversial actions. The Manchester Rusholme MP insisted he visited in a personal capacity. He clarified that he funded the trip himself while visiting family. Moreover, he received an honorary degree during the trip.
In his resignation letter, Khan stated he did not want to distract from trade negotiations. Nevertheless, critics argued the envoy’s position was no longer tenable. Shadow foreign minister Wendy Morton welcomed the resignation. However, she criticized Labour leader Keir Starmer for not acting sooner regarding the UK trade envoy issue.
Meanwhile, National Federation of Cypriots president Christos Karaolis called Khan’s visit “deeply inappropriate.” He emphasized that the envoy’s actions undermined diplomatic efforts and intensified the call for the UK trade envoy resigning. Khan claimed 20 other British MPs visited northern Cyprus without backlash. Yet, his role as a trade envoy heightened scrutiny.
The UK trade envoy resigns episode highlights ongoing tensions over Cyprus. Furthermore, it raises questions about diplomatic protocols for UK officials. As the fallout continues, Khan’s departure marks another diplomatic challenge for the UK government.
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