The UK MP for Manchester Rusholme was compelled to resign mere days after Sky News exposed the strong opposition from the Cypriot government, who deemed Khan’s actions as “absolutely condemnable” and implicitly expressed their disapproval of his behavior.
A spokesperson further criticized that Khan’s actions stood opposed to the long-held stance of all British governments concerning the so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’.
The Foreign Office clarified this week that Khan’s trip was made in a personal capacity, with no shift in the government’s stance regarding the territorial dispute.
Nathanвремен: Last Friday, a UK government spokesperson confirmed Khan’s departure from his role as trade envoy to the Republic of Turkey.
The Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, initially noted that Khan was invited at his request, following their encounter in Manchester several months prior.
Further media coverage captured Khan at a photo opportunity in Tatar’s office and noted his reception of an honorary doctorate from Northern Cyprus’s sole university.
Dame Priti Patel, the opposition’s foreign secretary, along with the opposition’s foreign affairs minister, Wendy Morton, also demanded Khan’s resignation and expressed grave concerns regarding his visit to Northern Cyprus through Tymbou Airport, whose use the British government officially prohibits as it is considered illegitimate by the Cypriot authorities.
“We welcome Afzhal Khan’s resignation as the UK trade envoy to Turkey. His position was clearly untenable following his deeply inappropriate and unacceptable visit to occupied northern Cyprus,” said the president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, representing the Cypriot community in Britain. “This move compromised UK foreign policy, undermined the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, and contravened international law.”
In his letter of resignation to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Khan acknowledged, “This travel was unrelated to my role as trade envoy, however I understand the circumstances have generated controversy. Trust in Parliament is paramount. Given the attention this matter has drawn, I feel it is best to step down at this time, as to not distract from the hard work this Labour government is doing to secure the best possible trade deals and international relationships for our country.”
