UK Labour’s support for BBF

The new Labour Party government has reaffirmed the UK’s support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation settlement to the long-standing Cyprus problem.

During a foreign policy debate at the House of Commons on Tuesday, the Conservative MP and now deputy speaker Sir Roger Gale noted that “this summer marks the 50th anniversary of Turkey’s illegal invasion and occupation of the northern part of the island of Cyprus.”

Gale then asked about steps and initiatives that the new government were going to seek “to resolve that frozen conflict, for which the British government have historical responsibility as a guarantor power”.

The response on behalf of the government was given by Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty.

He initially thanked Gale, saying he was aware of the MP’s interest in this issue over many years. 

“As a government, we remain committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation on the basis of political equality and adherence to UN Security Council resolutions, and we will continue to engage with the United Nations envoy and the UN process on this important matter.”