The recently appointed Shadow Minister for Europe, Pat McFadden expressed his intention to sustain the UK Opposition’s interest in developments relating to Cyprus, in a meeting with the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Peter Droussiotis on Wednesday.
At a meeting in Parliament to discuss Cyprus and issues affecting the British Cypriot community, Mr McFadden spoke of the Labour Party’s good will towards a historical ally and fellow European Union and Commonwealth member. He also expressed appreciation for the Cypriot community`s economic and social contribution to British society.
Peter Droussiotis conveyed the reassurance he gained from the meeting: “The Shadow Minister has only recently come to this post but has already shown a keen interest in our community and in the situation in Cyprus. I left the meeting with a sense that Mr McFadden is determined to see through the commitments of his predecessors and to support UN led efforts to reunite the island.”
Mr Droussiotis said that the UK must actively do more to encourage Turkey to stop its provocations in and around Cyprus and to adopt a more constructive approach. “Britain is, after all, a Guarantor Power in Cyprus and has responsibilities as such. The Labour Party in opposition must do more to hold the government to account in that regard,” noted the Federation President.
He added that his colleagues and he look forward to developing a deeper dialogue with Mr McFadden in the future, not least in order to ensure that Cyprus is an issue of debate in the months preceding next year’s General Election.
Pat McFadden represents the Wolverhampton West constituency and was appointed Shadow Minister for Europe on 20th October 2014, replacing Gareth Thomas, who moved within the Shadow Foreign team. Mr McFadden entered Parliament in 2005, having previously worked as an aide to Donald Dewar and former Labour Party leader John Smith and party leader and Prime Minister Tony Blair, including as Political Secretary in Downing Street from 2002-2005.
