Matthew addressed the annual Rally for Cyprus in Trafalgar Square. Accompanied by Barnet’s Mayor Lisa Rutter, Cllr Brian Coleman, Charles Tannock MEP, Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, Sir Alan Meale, Jim Sheridan and former MPs Ian Twinn and Tox Cox, Matthew told the assembled crowd that the division of Cyprus must not be forgotten by a new generation and that it was the responsibility of all politicians to repeat the message that the situation must not be accepted.
Speaking about his own visit to the occupied town of Morpu last year, Matthew said he had taken the difficult decision to cross the border and was required to show his passport to the Turkish authorities. “Crossing the border was like going back in time,” said Matthew. “The difference in the standard of living is visible but what was most shocking was the use of Cypriot cemeteries as a fire depot and as an army base. Graves were simply knocked over and lorries parked over the dead."" Matthew urged the crowd to send the Turkish government a message loud and clear. “Give back land and property illegally seized, identify when the missing are located and remove the illegal barrier in Cyprus. And do it now”.
Photo: Matthew is pictured addressing the crowd in Trafalgar Square from the base of the plinth of Nelson’s Column