Afzal Khan’s actions were condemned as ‘unacceptable and provocative’
08:54, 16 Aug 2025Updated 08:57, 16 Aug 2025
Afzal Khan (left) meets Ersin Tatar, president of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is not recognised by the UK(Image: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyrpus Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
A Manchester MP has resigned as the UK’s trade envoy to Turkey after sparking a furious row over a visit to Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus.
Afzal Khan, Labour MP for Rusholme, was pictured meeting Ersin Tatar, president of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, during a recent visit.
The territory was self-declared following Turkey’s invasion of the island in 1974. It is not recognised by the UK or the United Nations.
Mr Khan’s visit led to condemnation from the Cypriot government and the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, which said Mr Khan’s visit ‘disrespected the lived experiences of the UK Cypriot community’.
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A government spokesman told the BBC that Afzal Khan stepped down from his position on Friday (August 15).
Mr Khan said the trip was to visit his nephew and to receive an honorary degree, and that he had paid for the trip himself.
Rusholme MP Afzal Khan(Image: ABNM Photography)
In a letter to the Prime Minister, as reported by Sky News, Mr Khan wrote: “This travel was unrelated to my role as trade envoy, however I understand the circumstances have generated controversy.
“It is my belief that trust in Parliament is paramount. Due to 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.”
In a statement issued this morning (Saturday), the Cypriot government described Mr Khan’s resignation as an ‘important development’ following his ‘unacceptable and provocative actions’.
“The sound message is being sent that there is no room for tolerance, nor any possibility of a subdued reaction on our part,” the statement added.
Christos Karaolis, president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, says Mr Khan’s position had become ‘clearly untenable’ and described his resignation as ‘both necessary and appropriate’.
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He added that the move ‘sends a clear message that UK officials must uphold international law and the principles of sovereignty, justice and reunification in Cyprus’.
Turkish troops have occupied the northern section of the Mediterranean island since 1974.
In a statement released on August 7 describing Mr Khan’s visit, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus said Mr Tatar had used the opportunity to discuss ‘his approach to resolving the Cyprus issue’.
Shadow foreign minister Wendy Morton told the BBC that she welcomed Mr Khan’s resignation, but claimed Sir Keir Starmer should have sacked him earlier.