Greek Cypriot MP the new chair of UK parliament’s Cyprus committee
Labour MP Bambos Charalambous has been elected as the new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyprus in London, following the group’s first general assembly of the new parliamentary term, held on Tuesday evening.
Charalambous, of Cypriot origin and representing North London, replaces Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, who stepped down after being elected deputy speaker of the House of Commons.
Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale was elected as honorary chair, in recognition of his long-standing dedication to Cyprus and his work with the APPG.
After his election, Charalambous expressed his commitment “to continuing the cross-party effort to restart negotiations after 50 years of Turkish occupation”.
He underlined the UK’s critical role as a guarantor power in this process and reiterated that the only acceptable solution for Cyprus must be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation under the United Nations framework.
He then welcomed the recent meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, highlighting Cyprus’ importance in the Eastern Mediterranean and the strong ties between the two nations, particularly in light of recent developments in the Middle East.
The APPG vice-chairs elected were Conservative MP Mike Wood and Labour MPs Paulette Hamilton and Fabian Hamilton.
Labour MP Rachel Hopkins was named honorary secretary, fellow party member Lord Andrew Adonis was appointed honorary officer and Liberal Democrat Christine Jardine became honorary treasurer.
Christos Karaolis, chair of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, was reappointed secretary of the APPG.