Labour MP Afzal Khan has resigned as the UK’s trade envoy to Turkey after criticism of his visit to Northern Cyprus, which Britain does not recognise, BBC reported.

Khan met Turkish-Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar during the trip, drawing condemnation from the Cypriot government. He said the visit was personal and unrelated to his role but stepped down to avoid distraction.

Opposition figures welcomed his resignation, and the government confirmed his departure.