Afzal Khan, Labour's candidate, at a market.
Share this @internewscast.com

A LABOUR MP has been forced to resign as the UK’s trade envoy to Turkey amid controversy over a visit to Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus.

Afzal Khan, who represents Manchester Rusholme, had stepped down from his position on Friday, a government spokesman has told the BBC.

Mr. Khan explained his visit to the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which lacks recognition from the UK Government, was to see his nephew and accept an honorary degree.

He said he had paid for the trip himself.

His independent actions angered the official Cypriot government in the south, labeling his visit as “absolutely condemnable and unacceptable”.

Turkish troops have occupied the northern section of the Mediterranean island since 1974.

Shadow foreign minister Wendy Morton told the BBC that she welcomed Mr Khan’s resignation, but said Sir Keir Starmer should have sacked him earlier.

Dame Priti Patel, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, commented to MailOnline: “Keir Starmer should have immediately dismissed his trade envoy for such an ill-advised trip.”

“Yet again the Prime Minister has serious questions to answer about his poor judgement and actions that undermine Britain’s global standing.”

Christos Karaolis, leader of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, stated: “We approve of Afzal Khan’s resignation as the trade envoy to Turkey.”

“His position was clearly untenable following his deeply inappropriate and unacceptable visit to occupied northern Cyprus.

“Mr. Khan’s actions, deemed condemnable, jeopardized UK foreign policy, challenged the Republic of Cyprus’s sovereignty, and violated international law.”

A Government spokesperson said: “Mr Khan has left his position as trade envoy to the republic of Turkey.”

Afzal Khan, Labour's candidate, at a market.
Afzal Khan has resigned as the UK’s trade envoy to TurkeyCredit: Alamy
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
New Bears stadium renderings released, along with report on projected cost, economic impact of Arlington Heights, Illinois project

Renderings of New Bears Stadium Unveiled, Plus Cost and Economic Impact Report for Arlington Heights, Illinois

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — We have received initial insights into the…
Anti-Defamation League retires glossary of extremist groups after backlash for including Charlie Kirk's TPUSA

ADL withdraws extremist groups glossary following criticism for listing Charlie Kirk’s TPUSA

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently decided to pull its entire “Glossary of…
National parks will remain 'generally' open during the shutdown, but Liberty Bell doors are closed

Most National Parks to Stay Open Amid Shutdown, but Liberty Bell is Off-Limits

NEW YORK (AP) — A sizable crowd boarded boats to explore the…
Class back in session as 'Abbott Elementary' returns for fifth season on ABC

“Abbott Elementary” Kicks Off Its Fifth Season on ABC

HOLLYWOOD — “Abbott Elementary” is getting ready for the start of its…
Livestock landscaping: Vermont ski areas employ goats and sheep to clear the slopes

Grazing Livestock: Vermont Ski Resorts Use Goats and Sheep for Slope Maintenance

JAY, Vt. (AP) — Months before the first snow beckons skiers, sheep…
Charlie Kirk assassination: Exclusive photos show path to campus rooftop weeks later as access scrutinized

Charlie Kirk Incident: New Photos Reveal Route to Campus Rooftop Amid Security Review

“Many campus police departments do not have drone programs, which poses a…
Michigan church shooter's family reacts to viral fundraising effort by community faith members

Family of Michigan Church Shooter Responds to Viral Community Fundraising Effort

The relatives of Thomas Jacob Sanford, responsible for a tragic shooting at…
Assata Shakur's shameless hero-worshippers deserve our disgust and condemnation

Why Celebrating Assata Shakur is Problematic and Deserves Criticism

Everyone who refuses to denounce allies celebrating a cop-killer deserves disdain, so…
Oklahoma Gov. Stitt, ICE bust 120 illegal immigrants in highway crackdown, slams Biden border failures

Governor Stitt and ICE Collaborate to Detain 120 Undocumented Immigrants in Highway Operation; Criticize Biden’s Border Policies

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, working with ICE agents, arrested 120 illegal immigrants…
Illegal immigrant tied to 17 rapes and deported 8 times, faces reinstated charges

Individual Deported Eight Times Faces Renewed Charges Linked to Multiple Assault Cases

An undocumented immigrant suspected of serial rape and linked to up to…
Charlie Kirk’s Mission Lives On: Why We Must Carry the Torch

Continuing Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: The Importance of Upholding His Vision

By Cliff Maloney My friend, mentor, and American visionary, Charlie Kirk, was…
JSO: Teen killed in hit-and-run crash on Arlington Road

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office: Teenager Dies in Arlington Road Hit-and-Run Accident

A pedestrian noticed a teenager lying unresponsive along Arlington Road North, according…