Staff Report
Afzal Khan, the UK’s trade envoy to Turkey and Labour Member of Parliament for Manchester Rusholme, has resigned from his diplomatic post following a visit to Northern Cyprus that sparked significant controversy.
Background of the Visit
On August 8, 2025, Khan traveled to the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus, a region that declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983. This declaration has not been recognized by the United Kingdom or the international community, with the exception of Turkey. During his visit, Khan met with Ersin Tatar, the president of the TRNC, and participated in a ceremony where he received an honorary degree from a local university. Khan asserted that the trip was personal and self-funded, intended to visit family and attend the ceremony.
Political Repercussions
The visit elicited immediate backlash from various quarters. The government of the Republic of Cyprus condemned the meeting as “illegal and provocative,” emphasizing that it violated international law and the UK’s longstanding policy regarding Cyprus. The Cypriot Foreign Ministry welcomed Khan’s resignation, viewing it as a necessary step to uphold the integrity of international diplomacy.
In the UK, political figures from both major parties expressed disapproval. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel criticized Khan’s actions, suggesting that the Labour leadership should have acted more swiftly. The president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK labeled Khan’s visit as “deeply inappropriate and unacceptable,” highlighting the offense caused to the Cypriot community, many of whom are descendants of those displaced during the 1974 Turkish invasion.
Khan’s Defense and Resignation
In his defense, Khan maintained that his visit was undertaken in a personal capacity during the parliamentary recess and was not related to his official duties as trade envoy. He contended that other British parliamentarians had visited Northern Cyprus without facing similar scrutiny. However, acknowledging the political fallout from his actions, Khan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stating that stepping down was in the best interest of the government’s work on securing trade agreements.
Broader Implications
Khan’s resignation underscores the sensitivity surrounding the Cyprus issue and the importance of adhering to established foreign policy protocols. The incident has reignited discussions about the UK’s role in Cyprus and the potential for future diplomatic engagement with the TRNC. While Turkey continues to support the TRNC, the international community remains divided on the matter, with most nations, including the UK, recognizing the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.
This episode serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in international diplomacy and the potential consequences of actions that may be perceived as undermining established policies.
