In a landmark victory, Nesil Çalışkan has made history by becoming the first Turkish Cypriot Member of Parliament (MP) in the United Kingdom.

Winning the Barking constituency seat for the Labour Party in the 2024 general elections, Çalışkan's triumph represents a significant milestone for representation and diversity in British politics.

A Pioneering Career

Nesil Çalışkan's ascent to Parliament is marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements. At just 35 years old, she has already established a remarkable career in local politics. Çalışkan first entered the political arena as a teenager, joining the Labour Party twenty years ago. In 2015, she won a by-election to become a councillor in Enfield, North London, following in the footsteps of her mother, Alev Cazimoğlu, who also served on the same council.

Her leadership capabilities quickly became evident. In 2018, Çalışkan was elected as the leader of Enfield Council, becoming the first woman of Turkish and Muslim heritage to head a British council. Her tenure was characterized by strong advocacy for community issues, including standing up against antisemitism and opposing government cuts to public services.

The 2024 General Election Victory

The 2024 general election was a decisive moment for Çalışkan and the Labour Party. Contesting in the Barking constituency, Çalışkan secured 16,227 votes, significantly ahead of her nearest rivals. The breakdown of votes was as follows:

- Nesil Çalışkan (Labour Party): 16,227 votes

- Clive Peacock (Reform UK): 5,173 votes

- Simon Ronald Anthony (Green Party): 4,988 votes

- Julie Redmond (Conservative Party): 4,294 votes

- Charley Hasted (Liberal Democrats): 1,015 votes

The voter turnout in Barking was 61.9%, reflecting a robust engagement from the electorate.

Advocacy and Community Engagement

Çalışkan's political career has been deeply rooted in advocacy for her community. She has been vocal about issues impacting the Turkish Cypriot community and has supported direct flights between the UK and Northern Cyprus, a long-standing demand among Turkish Cypriots. Her family background and personal experiences have informed her political stance, as she has consistently championed the rights and recognition of Turkish Cypriots.

Çalışkan's commitment to community engagement extends beyond her political duties. She regularly participates in cultural events, such as the Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival in Enfield, showcasing her dedication to maintaining strong ties with her cultural heritage and supporting community cohesion.

Pledges to the Turkish Cypriot Community

Nesil Çalışkan's victory holds significant implications for the Turkish Cypriot community living in the UK. Her election provides a glimmer of hope for enhanced representation and advocacy at the national level. Çalışkan has made clear her commitment to addressing issues that matter most to her community, particularly in relation to Cyprus.

One of her key pledges includes advocating for the recognition of Turkish Cypriot rights and supporting direct flights to Northern Cyprus. "Yes, I support direct flights to North Cyprus," Çalışkan stated. "If elected, I will join the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". This stance resonates with many Turkish Cypriots who have long sought better connectivity and recognition.

Furthermore, Çalışkan has emphasized the importance of a fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue. She reflects on her family's history and the unresolved trauma of the Cyprus problem, advocating for political and economic equality between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities. "Turkish Cypriots deserve to live on an island where they enjoy political and economic equality with the Greek Cypriot community," she asserted.

Implications and Future Outlook

Çalışkan's election is more than a personal achievement; it signals a broader shift towards inclusivity and representation in British politics. For the Turkish Cypriot community, her presence in Parliament offers a new platform for voicing their concerns and aspirations. Çalışkan's commitment to her heritage and her proactive stance on community issues are likely to foster a stronger sense of identity and unity among Turkish Cypriots in the UK.

Her success also underscores the importance of political engagement and representation for minority communities. Çalışkan's journey from local politics to the national stage serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that dedicated public service can lead to meaningful change.

Reflecting on her victory, Çalışkan stated, "I am honoured to be the Labour candidate for Barking and to have won the support of my community. Under the leadership of Keir Starmer, the Labour Party is once again serving working people, and I am proud to be part of that mission".

Looking Forward

As Nesil Çalışkan begins her term as an MP, her focus will undoubtedly remain on advocating for the issues that matter most to her constituents and the broader community. Her track record suggests that she will continue to champion policies that promote equality, social justice, and community cohesion.

In conclusion, Nesil Çalışkan's historic election as the first Turkish Cypriot MP in British history marks a significant achievement for representation in the UK. Her journey serves as a testament to the impact of dedicated public service and the importance of inclusive representation in fostering a diverse and equitable society. As she takes on her new role, Çalışkan is poised to continue her advocacy for her community and contribute to the ongoing development of British politics.