Bambos Charalambous elected new Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyprus in the UK has elected Bambos Charalambous, the north London Labour MP, as its new Chair.

The election for the new Parliamentary term took place on 25 October, during the Group’s inaugural General Meeting.

Caroline Nokes MP stepped down as Chair after a successful term of office, having been elected as a Deputy Speaker.

Charalambous was elected alongside a cross-party team of parliamentarians. 

Sir Roger Gale, the long-standing Conservative MP, was elected as the APPG’s Honorary President as a recognition of his commitment and dedication to Cyprus and the work of the APPG.

Speaking after his election, Bambos Charalambous said: “It’s a privilege to be elected Chair of the APPG for Cyprus. I will continue to work on a cross-party basis to see the restoration of negotiations after 50 years of Turkish occupation. As a Guarantor Power the UK has a critical role to play in this effort”. 

He reiterated that the "only acceptable solution is one that is based on the agreed UN framework of a bizonal, bicommunal, federation”. He went on to say: “I warmly welcome the meeting between the Prime Minister and the President of Cyprus on 14 October at Downing Street. The recent events in the Middle East have once again demonstrated the critical role that Cyprus plays in the Eastern Mediterranean and the strong ties that are shared between the two countries. I want to make sure that the Parliament of the United Kingdom continues to work hand in hand with our friends in Cyprus to deepen these ties.”

Conservative MP Mike Wood and Labour MPs Paulette Hamilton and Fabian Hamilton were elected as Vice-Chairs. Rachel Hopkins, Labour MP is now Honorary Secretary, Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP is Honorary Treasurer and Lord Adonis Honorary Officer.

Also present at the General Meeting were Chris Webb MP, Chris Vince MP, Sonia Kumar MP and Jas Athwal MP.

Christos Karaolis was also re-appointed as the Secretariat of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus. He said: “I'd like to thank Caroline for her leadership in the last Parliament and I’m delighted that Bambos Charalambous MP was elected as Chair of the Cyprus APPG. He has been a vocal and strong supporter of Cyprus and of course has Cypriot roots himself. I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with Bambos and all the Officers to strengthen UK-Cyprus relations, end the Turkish occupation and deliver a free, united Cyprus.”

(Source: CNA)