EU: Northern Cyprus Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Lord Davies of Coity
Main Page: Lord Davies of Coity (Labour - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Davies of Coity's debates with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
(10 years, 7 months ago)
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Baroness Warsi
My noble friend is a real expert on these issues so I shall not seek to question her assertions, but she will be aware that the European Commission directly implements aid programmes in the north of the country. These social, economic and development programmes are specifically for the Turkish Cypriot community. She will also be aware that if Turkish Cypriots take Republic of Cyprus passports, they can access some of the wider benefits that come with EU membership.
Lord Davies of Coity (Lab)
My Lords, does the Minister think there is a measure of inconsistency in, on the one hand, encouraging the Cypriots to reunite while at the same time asking the Scots people perhaps to break up the United Kingdom?
Baroness Warsi
I do not think that this Government are encouraging the Scots not to stay part of the United Kingdom. The noble Lord will be aware that we on this side of the House, and indeed noble Lords on all sides, firmly believe that we are better together.