With just weeks to go until the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the UK’s Cypriot community on Friday called on the public to press MPs into action.

The national federation of Cypriots in the UK has launched its annual #HandsOffCyprus campaign, urging Britons to email their MPs ahead of the July 20 anniversary. This year’s push is particularly significant, with over half of all members of Parliament newly elected, the federation noted.

The federation says it is vital for MPs to be reminded of the continued Turkish military presence in northern Cyprus and Ankara’s efforts to push for permanent partition.

“Sending a pre-written email takes less than 30 seconds,” the federation said in a statement. 

“But it could help shape UK policy and remind the government of its responsibilities as a guarantor power.”

On July 20, 1974, Turkey launched a military offensive following a coup by Greek Cypriot nationalists. The intervention led to the division of the island, with thousands displaced and hundreds still missing.

In March, President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar held talks in Geneva with the UN secretary-general and ministers from Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

The meeting resulted in the appointment of a UN envoy and agreement on six confidence-building measures. Another round of talks is expected in July.

The UK’s minister for Europe attended the Geneva meeting and is expected to return for the July session. The UK remains a key player due to its status as one of Cyprus’ guarantor powers under the 1960 treaty of guarantee.

“The UK has a duty to support a free and united Cyprus,” the federation stressed. 

“With so many new MPs, it is critical they understand the issues and their role.”

A memorial service will also be held on Sunday July 20 at St Mary’s Greek orthodox church in Wood Green, London. It will honour those who lost their lives in 1974 and those still unaccounted for. Archbishop Nikitas will lead prayers, and Cyprus high commissioner Kyriacos Kouros will deliver the keynote address.

Memorials will be held in Greek orthodox churches across the UK on the same day. The public is invited to attend and reflect on the decades-long division of the island.