UK MP Afzal Khan Resigns as Trade Envoy to Türkiye After Controversial Cyprus Visit

British Member of Parliament Afzal Khan has resigned from his role as the UK’s Trade Envoy for Türkiye following criticism over a visit to the northern part of Cyprus, which is under Turkish control.

The Cypriot Foreign Ministry described the visit and Khan’s meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar as “unacceptable and provocative.” Officials in Nicosia said the move violated the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and contradicted United Nations Security Council resolutions, which recognize only the Republic of Cyprus and reject any legitimacy for the breakaway administration in the north.

Khan’s trip sparked political reactions in the United Kingdom, drawing criticism across party lines, as well as lobbying efforts from members of the Cypriot diaspora.

In a statement, the Cypriot Foreign Ministry said the resignation “sends a clear message” that such actions carry political consequences. The ministry emphasized that UN resolutions on Cyprus are binding and that international actors should refrain from actions that could be seen as supporting the self-declared entity in the north.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Türkiye intervened following a coup backed by the Greek military junta. While the Republic of Cyprus is internationally recognized and a member of the European Union, the northern part of the island is recognized only by Türkiye.