Eight Key Decision-Makers Who Can Influence Turkey’s Position on the Cyprus Issue
#HANDSOFFCYPRUS – A visual call against the partition of Cyprus
Eight individuals who are decision-makers in the United Kingdom have the power to positively influence Turkey to change its publicly stated position regarding the partition of Cyprus.
1st individual: Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
As Head of the UK Government, Sir Keir Starmer holds the greatest decision-making power to positively influence Turkey to reconsider its stance in favour of partition.
The UK, as a Guarantor Power under the Zurich–London Agreements, holds legal responsibility to safeguard the constitutional order, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
Given this responsibility, the Prime Minister is the most suitable individual to push Turkey toward supporting the resumption of UN-led negotiations under the agreed Bicommunal Bizonal Federation (BBF) framework and Political Equality.
2nd individual: Rt. Hon. David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary.
As the Cabinet Minister responsible for the UK’s foreign policy, David Lammy is the second most influential individual regarding Turkey’s approach to Cyprus.
Recently, Lammy held an official-level meeting in Turkey with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Meetings at this level create ideal opportunities to lobby Turkey to move away from partition and return to diplomacy.
3rd individual: Rt. Hon. Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories.
As the UK’s most senior minister responsible for European affairs—an area which includes Cyprus—Stephen Doughty is the third most influential figure in shaping UK policy on the Cyprus issue.
He has previously replied (via my local MP) to concerns raised about Cyprus, demonstrating openness and engagement on the matter.
4th individual: Rt. Hon. Bambos Charalambous, Chairman of the APPG for Cyprus.
As Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyprus, Charalambous is the fourth most influential UK figure capable of shaping political pressure on Turkey.
Given his Cypriot roots and his seat in the governing Labour Party, he is especially well-positioned to advocate strongly for a unified Cyprus based on UN parameters.
5th individual: Sir Roger Gale, Honorary President of the APPG for Cyprus.
As the former Chairman and current Honorary President of the APPG for Cyprus, Sir Roger Gale continues to exert significant influence.
His decades-long involvement with Cyprus-related issues make him the fifth most impactful decision-maker on this list.
6th individual: Rt. Hon. Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Wyre.
As my local MP, Cat Smith has replied twice to Federation emails regarding the Cyprus issue. Her responses were supportive, constructive, and aligned with UN Resolutions.
Her position within the governing Labour Party further strengthens her ability to advocate for Cyprus within UK political circles.
7th individual: Sinan Ogun, President of the Turkish Forum UK.
As the leader of the largest Turkish diaspora organisation in the UK, Sinan Ogun holds the potential to influence community perspectives and, indirectly, Turkey’s broader political stance.
However, it must be noted that he may not oppose Turkey’s current ‘two-state solution’ proposal, which limits expectations for meaningful influence.
8th individual: Piers Morgan, British journalist and broadcaster.
Piers Morgan is one of the UK’s most influential media personalities, with record-breaking audiences and substantial public reach.
If he were to highlight the Cyprus issue or challenge Turkey’s stance on his platforms, the Turkish government would almost certainly take notice.
About the author:
George T, age 23.
Studied BA Politics & International Relations and MSc Public Policy at Lancaster University.