The text of the resolution also calls on the Turkish government to act in accordance with the resolutions in favor of the return of Famagusta and the British government to "promote" co-operation on the part of Ankara.
In his speech, Mr. Barrows stressed that Cyprus is an EU member state, but nevertheless remains in a "tragic and unbearable" way divided and occupied. Referring to President Anastasiadis, he said that Cyprus is "in good hands", while adding that the island could become a beacon for other nations with a comprehensive solution to the problem, contributing to stability in the region.
He conveyed to his fellow MPs the positive messages he received from his trip to Cyprus on November 11-14, head of a seven-member delegation of Conservative MPs as Parliamentary President of the "Conservative Friends of Cyprus". Characteristically, Mr. Barrows stated that the Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavrogiannis spoke about the "best opportunity that has ever existed" for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Regarding the motion for a resolution he submitted, he described it as "substantial" and "historic", stressing that a request for the return of Famagusta (s.s.: Famagusta Association UK) has collected more than 50.000 signatures, winning including the support of Prime Minister Cameron. Mr Barrows noted that the return of the city to its legal residents would be crucial to promoting a solution.
Representing the government, Undersecretary of State Tobias Elwood initially spoke of a "significant strategic relationship with Cyprus" and of Britain's security interests on the island, in addition to its historical, trade, cultural and tourism ties.
Mr. Elwood noted that the ongoing division of Cyprus "serves no purpose" and that everyone will benefit from a solution. "I welcome the support expressed in the motion for a resolution for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. Cyprus has been divided for too long. Under the courageous leadership of President Anastasiadis and Mr Akindzi, we may now have an opportunity to secure a just and lasting solution. I can assure Parliament that the United Kingdom will remain a strong supporter of the two communities' efforts to find a solution. We will do everything we can to help them reunite Cyprus. "
The Foreign Office political official also noted that a lasting solution would have clear benefits for Cyprus, the region and the UK, with economic benefits and enhanced regional stability, in an area where Cyprus is already a "beacon of stability". It would open up new opportunities for energy and economic cooperation and give new impetus to Turkey's accession process. In all these areas, there are opportunities for the UK, Elwood said.
"It is clear that Turkey remains an important part of reaching a solution. "We welcome our support for a solution from Turkey and public statements by President Erdogan and Prime Minister Davutoglu are important in building support for the solution," he said. He reiterated the British proposal to give up almost half of the bases in the event of a solution, saying he was happy the bases were being used as a "method of encouraging" a solution.
On the issue of security and guarantees, Elwood said: "Our position is clear: we are not looking for any specific role for the UK. "On the contrary, we are ready to consider any settlement that the parties can agree on to allow their communities to feel safe."
On the issue of Famagusta, the Undersecretary said Britain fully supports all Security Council resolutions, adding that the government remains convinced that a comprehensive solution is the best opportunity to resolve these complex issues.
He concluded by saying that bold decisions would be required from both communities in Cyprus in the coming weeks and months, with the two leaders showing that they can provide the strong and decisive leadership needed for a historic agreement. "The government is moderately optimistic that a solution is possible. We call on both sides to seize this opportunity, "Tobias Elwood concluded.
A number of MEPs spoke during the debate that preceded the adoption of the resolution, including those accompanied by Mr Barrows on his recent visit to Cyprus.
Sheryl Murray of the Conservatives stressed the importance of the opening of Famagusta for tourism and the solution of the Cyprus problem for the respect and protection of the religious heritage of the whole island, while Mike Freer, Conservative MP of North London, commented that the case of a "visible reminder that Cyprus is the only EU country held by a foreign power and that Turkey can not be allowed to join the EU until it withdraws from Cyprus."
Mr. Barrows commented that the ongoing occupation of Cyprus is a stigma for Europe and that Turkey must show that it cooperates in order for the solution to be credible.
Labor North London MP Kathryn West emphasized that the proposal for Famagusta and support for a solution to the Cyprus problem had cross-party support in the House of Commons. Matthew Offord of the Conservatives was negatively affected by the ban on access to Famagusta beach and the intimidating presence of Turkish forces in the area, while commenting that while he often hears criticism of Israel for his settlers, it does not happen the same with Turkey for the epics in Cyprus.
Mr Barrows called on the British government to support access to expertise in Varosha, to assess the damage done, to advocate for the abolition of the guarantee scheme, and to pledge to help with difficult issues. demand the cooperation of Turkey and ask Ankara to provide information on the missing.
Sir David Ames of the Conservatives said that at the beginning of his recent visit to Cyprus he was very cynical about the prospects for a solution, but was impressed by the meetings the British delegation had and especially by what he heard from Giannakis Homerou and Mr Mavrogiannis . He also praised President Anastasiadis for his efforts, as well as the work of the Committee of Inquiry into the Missing, as did MP Martin Vickers.
Sir Roger Gale, who has taken over the reins of the Inter-Party Parliamentary Group on Cyprus and has dealt with the Cyprus issue since 1983, said there was now a significant window of opportunity. He stressed that it can only be a red line for Britain that Turkey can not join the EU before the Cyprus issue is resolved.
Labor's Pat McFadden agreed that the omen of solution is better than ever.