Number 10 praises British Turkish Cypriots’ achievements

aaNumber 10 has praised the achievements of Britain’s Turkish Cypriot community. In an unprecedented first, Downing Street has sent “warm wishes” and “congratulations to all the nominees and winners” at the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations UK’s (CTCA UK) 2^ndAwards Gala in a message on behalf of Prime Minister Boris Johnson after the group invited him to attend. The message, which was addressed directly to CTCA UK chair Leyla Kemal, sent apologies that the Prime Minister could not attend due to “current pressures on his diary” but lauded the event as a “great opportunity to recognise the community’s achievements.” The CTCA UK published the message in their event programme, which they distributed at the gala on 12 October. “We are delighted that the Prime Minister took time out of his busy schedule to congratulate our community on its many achievements. We may be a small community, but we have made a big impact in Britain and it’s wonderful to have been recognised in this way” said Mrs Kemal. The organisation held the gala to award British Turkish Cypriots for their contributions both to their community and wider society. Former British fashion designer of the year Hussein Chalayan, Liverpool FC and England under 21 striker Rhian Brewster, Game of Thrones star Tamer Hassan, parliamentarian Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece, philanthropist Cemal Ezel and the Cyprus Islamic Association were among those awarded for their achievements.

The full text of Downing Street’s message can be read below:

“Dear Ms Leyla Kemal

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

I am writing on behalf of the Prime Minister to thank you for your email of 28 August, inviting him to attend the 2nd Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations’ Awards and Gala Dinner on 12 October. The evening will provide a great opportunity to recognise the community’s achievements. Unfortunately, it is not possible for the Prime Minister to accept your invitation due to the current pressures on his diary. However, please pass my congratulations to all the nominees and winners and accept my warm wishes for the event. Thank you, once again, for writing. Madeline Correspondence Officer”   Main photo, top: Number 10 Downing Street is the headquarters and London residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Photo © Sergeant Tom Robinson, RLCMOD OGL v1.0