The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK celebrated the achievements and public service of UK Cypriot councillors at a special reception held on Saturday 10 October 2026, bringing together elected representatives from across the country and Britain’s major political parties.
The reception highlighted the important contribution of British Cypriots to local government and public life, recognising councillors who serve their communities while maintaining strong connections with their Cypriot heritage.
The Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Anna Papasavva, opened her address by conveying the “warm greetings and best wishes of President Nikos Christodoulides and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.”
She praised the strength of relations between Cyprus and the United Kingdom, highlighting how “cooperation continues to deepen across foreign policy, trade and investment, shipping and financial services, education, tourism, culture, security and defence.”
At the heart of this relationship, she emphasised, is the Cypriot community itself and its longstanding contribution to British society.
“The greatest asset of Cyprus–UK relations is the relationship between our peoples. The Cypriot community in Britain, built over generations, has enriched the social, economic, cultural and civic life of this country while maintaining a living bond with Cyprus.”
The Deputy High Commissioner also reminded attendees of the continuing struggle for the reunification of Cyprus and the enduring consequences of the Turkish invasion.
“At the same time, we must never lose sight of the continuing division of Cyprus. More than five decades after the Turkish invasion of 1974, the consequences of displacement and occupation remain deeply felt by Cypriots at home and abroad.”
The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Michael Michael, spoke passionately about his own journey into local government and his role in establishing the Greek Cypriot Association of Wales.
He reflected with pride on the work of the Cypriot community in Wales, highlighting its efforts to establish a strong voice in Cardiff and across the country, championing local concerns while promoting Cyprus and the interests of the Cypriot community.
Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Enfield, Chris Joannides, reinforced the importance of Cypriots playing an active role in local government, encouraging greater political participation as a means of strengthening community representation and raising awareness of the Cyprus issue.
He also paid tribute to Federation President Christos Karaolis and Vice-Presidents Andreas Papaevripides, Bambos Charalambous of Parikiaki newspaper and Michael Ellinas of Eleftheria newspaper, thanking them for their continued dedication to the UK Cypriot community and recognising the important role of the community’s media outlets.
Welcoming those present, Federation President Christos Karaolis expressed his pride in the breadth of Cypriot representation across British local government and the political spectrum.
“We are particularly proud that those gathered here represent different communities, different parts of the country and different political parties. Each of you has earned the trust of your local community and taken on the responsibility of representing your fellow citizens.”
The reception was a celebration not only of the individual achievements of UK Cypriot councillors, but also of the wider community’s contribution to British civic life. From Cardiff to London and across the Midlands and beyond, Cypriots continue to play an active role in shaping the communities in which they live.
Following the speeches, councillors joined members of the Federation’s Secretariat and the Cyprus High Commission for a reception, providing an opportunity to strengthen connections, exchange experiences and celebrate their shared commitment to public service.
The UK Cypriot councillors recognised at the reception were: Maria Alexandrou (Enfield), Stala Antoniades (Hammersmith & Fulham), Elena Georgiou (Rushcliffe), Renos Georgiou (Hertsmere), Chris Joannides (Enfield), Stephanos Ioannou (Enfield), Peter Charalambous (Enfield), Dino Lemonides (Enfield), Tony Louki (Hounslow), Michael Michael (Cardiff), George Michaelides (Welwyn Hatfield), George Nicolaou (Broxbourne), Nick O’Hare (Bexley), Pavlos Kotsonis (Nottingham), Denise Saliagopoulos (Spelthorne), Johnny Thalassites (Kensington & Chelsea) and Athena Zissimos (Ealing).
Photo credit: Stavri Kleanthous @StavriKay