Written question asked by Lord Kilclooney (Crossbench) on Thursday, 21 January 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 February 2016. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Friday, 29 January 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Cyprus: Politics and Government

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to abandoning one or both of the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus to facilitate a political settlement on the island.

Answer: The UK will continue to support the efforts of President Anastasiades and Mr Akinci to reunite Cyprus through a just and lasting settlement. The UK has made a generous offer that, as part of a comprehensive settlement, we will cede a significant proportion of the land mass of the Sovereign Base Areas. However, the Sovereign Base Areas continue to have a significant operational value for defence that is expected to endure for the long term.

Secondary information