Recent reporting by Democracy for Sale has brought serious allegations against the Freedom & Fairness movement and its affiliated lobbying practices. According to the article, “Five British politicians have been accused of breaching lobbying rules by asking parliamentary questions about the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus after taking all-expenses-paid trips to the breakaway territory” (Democracy for Sale). These all-expenses-paid trips, organized by those linked to the Freedom & Fairness movement, are now under scrutiny for potentially violating the ethical boundaries of lobbying in the UK Parliament. 

Such accusations call into question the integrity of the advocacy linked to Northern Cyprus, creating a perception that these efforts were aimed at gaining undue influence rather than representing the true needs of Turkish Cypriots.

The Freedom & Fairness movement has not acted in isolation. Reports reveal close ties to the London-based public relations firm College Green Group, which is registered as a lobbyist for Abajur Ltd—a PR company led by Cetin Ramadan and Rikki Williams, who are co-chairs of the Freedom & Fairness campaign. Furthermore, Ramadan's son is also employed by College Green, and Freedom & Fairness shares an IP address with College Green, indicating they operate on the same internet server. In fact, over a dozen websites connected to College Green and its founder, Thomas Borwick, the former Vote Leave data chief, share this same IP address with Freedom & Fairness. Such intertwined relationships raise further concerns about transparency and impartiality, creating a perception that these networks are not as independent as they claim to be.

The report details that MPs and peers involved failed to register their travel in accordance with lobbying regulations, breaching transparency rules. As Democracy for Sale notes, “The transparency and ethical conduct of these lobbying practices are now being challenged, painting a troubling picture of the relationship between British representatives and Northern Cyprus advocacy”. Such controversy highlights the need for a fresh, clean, and transparent approach—precisely the kind that TCE seek to offer in their advocacy efforts.

 

Turkish Cypriot Lobbying in the Spotlight

The complexity of Cyprus's political landscape has always meant that lobbying for Turkish Cypriot rights faces significant challenges. As public scrutiny of political influence sharpens, it becomes increasingly important for advocacy efforts to be both effective and above reproach. Recent news linking MPs and peers in the UK with alleged lobbying misconduct concerning Northern Cyprus has brought renewed attention to how advocacy for Turkish Cypriot interests can be conducted. While the Freedom & Fairness movement has played a crucial role in recent years, it is time to consider fresh approaches that can better respond to today's demands for transparency and grassroots engagement.

 

The recent report by Democracy for Sale highlights allegations that some British politicians have broken lobbying rules by accepting "freebies" related to Northern Cyprus. This news has reignited debates around how lobbying efforts for Turkish Cypriots should be structured, highlighting an urgent need to reflect on strategies moving forward.

 

Freedom & Fairness: Building on What Came Before

It would be unfair to disregard the achievements of the Freedom & Fairness movement. They have stood as a prominent advocate for Turkish Cypriot rights, tirelessly working to ensure that the TRNC is heard in an international community that often overlooks its voice. Their work has paved the way for new conversations about equity, recognition, and the need for a resolution that respects all parties involved.

 

However, as the recent scrutiny over lobbying rules shows, even well-intentioned efforts can become mired in controversy when the lines between advocacy and political access become blurred. Freedom & Fairness has faced criticism not for its goals, but for its tactics and associations, which, though not necessarily illegal, may not always align with the current climate of transparency that people now expect.

 

The fact remains that advocacy efforts must evolve if they are to be truly effective. The energy and passion that have sustained the Freedom & Fairness movement need to be channeled into new, creative avenues that ensure the Turkish Cypriot voice is heard—loudly, proudly, and ethically.

 

TCE: A New Face in Advocacy

Enter Turkish Cypriots Exist (TCE), an organization that intends to fill this void with a fresh and determined approach. TCE acknowledges the efforts made by its predecessors but recognizes the importance of a clean break from the old ways. Their aim is to provide a lobbying platform that not only speaks for Turkish Cypriots but does so in a manner that respects the principles of transparency and public accountability.

 

"Lobbying doesn't have to be a dirty word," says a spokesperson for TCE. "It should be about amplifying the voices of real people, not using the system to enhance favors behind closed doors."

 

TCE's mission is simple yet ambitious: to present Turkish Cypriot concerns with clarity and integrity, working within the established rules while rallying grassroots support. The organization’s vision is people-centered, drawing strength from communities in the TRNC and their allies abroad, rather than relying on political access alone.

 

The Rise of TCE More Than Just a Website

At the heart of this new movement is TCExist.com—a platform that has rapidly grown in popularity among Turkish Cypriots and their supporters worldwide. But TCE is not simply a website; it is a movement—a growing community of individuals coming together to represent the voices of Turkish Cypriots everywhere. Unlike traditional lobbying organizations, TCE is built on grassroots foundations, using technology to unite people and mobilize them toward common causes. The ethos of TCE is straightforward: engage directly with the people, educate, and bring about change through a community-driven effort. The website has become a hub for Turkish Cypriots, offering educational content, advocacy resources, and ways to get involved in campaigns aimed at raising awareness and driving political pressure in their communities and beyond.

 

Global Reach and Community Support

According to TCE's internal statistics, TCExist.com has gained thousands of unique visitors from across the world. The widespread support, from areas like the UK, Europe, Australia, and the USA to regions including the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Africa, and South America, is a testament to the global interest in the Turkish Cypriot cause. Many individuals have also reached out to TCE, expressing gratitude for the educational resources provided on the platform.

 

"TCE is empowering us as a community," says a regular user. "It gives us the tools and information we need to advocate for our rights effectively and helps us reach audiences that we couldn't connect with before."

 

The surprise of seeing the broad geographical diversity of support has only reinforced the belief in the necessity of the movement. Turkish Cypriots exist in all corners of the world, and TCE aims to harness that potential to create a unified, global voice. The platform is about educating people, not simply preaching to the converted—an inclusive approach designed to challenge misconceptions and foster genuine understanding.

 

A Transparent Future for Advocacy

The focus on people-powered lobbying is not just about circumventing traditional routes; it's about changing the perception of Turkish Cypriot advocacy. Recent headlines concerning the involvement of UK MPs and peers have drawn criticism from all sides, painting a negative picture of lobbying efforts tied to Northern Cyprus. TCE aims to transform this narrative by showing that Turkish Cypriots can advocate for their rights in a transparent, accountable, and modern way.

 

TCE aims to capitalize on the momentum created by groups like Freedom & Fairness while avoiding the pitfalls that come with political entanglements. Their efforts are designed to represent the everyday Turkish Cypriot and their aspirations, concerns, and dreams, without being overshadowed by allegations of misconduct.

The potential for Turkish Cypriot lobbying to evolve into a respected, legitimate force in international diplomacy is significant. By embracing transparency and rejecting secretive practices, TCE hope to create a model of advocacy that can withstand scrutiny and earn the respect of both supporters and critics alike.

 

Turning Advocacy into Action

The TCE approach is already making waves. The focus on people-centered, transparent advocacy is gaining traction with those who believe the Turkish Cypriot cause has not always been given a fair shake in international circles. The idea is simple: if Turkish Cypriots are to have their voices heard, they need to speak directly to the people, both at home and abroad.

 

This new model also reflects the realities of modern lobbying. Social media campaigns, direct community engagement, and grassroots mobilization are now as important as formal political access. While the traditional routes of influence are still relevant, the key to sustainable success lies in gaining widespread public support. This means ensuring that every Turkish Cypriot—no matter where they live—feels they have a stake in the future of their homeland.

 

The growing popularity of TCE is a testament to this shift. Turkish Cypriots across the globe are using the platform to contribute to the cause, whether by sharing educational content, participating in online events, or helping organize campaigns that aim to make an impact both locally and internationally.

 

The Road Ahead: A Collaborative Vision

In a climate of increased scrutiny, lobbying can no longer rely solely on backroom discussions and exclusive connections. It must be rooted in the needs of the people it represents, and it must operate in a way that earns public trust.

 

The rise of TCE is a promising development for Turkish Cypriots. It suggests a future where their voices are not only heard but respected—where their lobbying efforts are seen not as self-serving, but as genuine efforts to achieve fairness and recognition for a community that has long been marginalized.

 

For too long, the politics of Cyprus has been shaped by the actions of a few. With TCE, a new era of advocacy is taking shape—one that is guided by transparency, driven by grassroots support, and committed to making a real difference. The time has come for Turkish Cypriots to take control of their story and to ensure that their lobbying efforts reflect the values of the people they aim to represent.

 

TCE is not just a website; it is a movement that is mobilizing Turkish Cypriots from around the world—from the UK and Europe to Australia, the USA, and beyond. The surprise of seeing this extensive global reach reflected in our visitor statistics has only reinforced our belief in the necessity of the movement. Turkish Cypriots Exist, and they are everywhere—whether it’s in Malaysia, Japan, New Zealand, or as far-reaching as South America, Africa, and India. We have a duty to mobilize, educate, and unite our people to ensure a future where Turkish Cypriot voices are not just heard, but are instrumental in shaping the island's future.

 

The future of Turkish Cypriot advocacy is not just about the corridors of power; it is about empowering the people. TCE will continue to bridge the gaps, educate globally, and advocate effectively for Turkish Cypriot rights. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will thrive.

 

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References

1. Democracy for Sale, "MPs and Peers Accused of Breaking Lobbying Rules with Northern Cyprus 'Freebies'," 
2. TCE Statistics on Unique Visitors, internal report available upon request.
3. Quotes from TCExist.com users, collected via outreach programs and user feedback surveys.
4. TCE official spokesperson's interview, conducted in September 2024.