North London MPs to meet minister over Cyprus

Following the Cyprus’ House of Representatives decision to block the terms of the EU bailout, four Conservative Members of Parliament in North London will take a delegation of Greek Cypriot community leaders to meet with Treasury Minister Greg Clark next month. The meeting will be attended by Finchley & Golders Green MP Mike Freer, Hendon MP Matthew Offord, Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers and Enfield Southgate’s MP David Burrowes.

The meeting will be an opportunity for community leaders to put their concerns directly to a UK government minister. Prime Minister David Cameron has already announced support for UK troops stationed on the island that will be affected by the EU & IMF’s potential bail out terms.

Under proposals agreed at a Eurogroup meeting at the weekend, it was announced that the Cypriot government would be given access to a €10 billion bailout package in exchange for a levy on deposits in Cypriot banks.

Mike Freer MP said that the levy supported by eurozone Finance Ministers will have a major impact on UK citizens in Cyprus, and the London based Greek Cypriot community. “That’s why my parliamentary colleagues and I will take every possible action to support those affected,” he added

Theresa Villiers MP said: “This is an anxious and uncertain time for my British Cypriot constituents in Chipping Barnet. I welcomed the chance to talk to Greg Clark about the current situation. The eurozone crisis has had such a damaging impact on so many lives over recent years. Now Cypriots have suffered this heavy blow and I will be working to provide reassurance to my Cypriot constituents at this difficult time.”