During the debate on Cyprus on Wednesday 10th January in response to a question to Ann Winterton MP Geof Hoon the Minister for Europe made the following statement:-
“… there are clear international rules and law governing direct flights. It is important that the United Kingdom Government consider the legal position carefully. So far; we have concluded that it would not be possible to authorise direct flights in the absence of agreement by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. That remains our legal position and legal view. It is clearly important that the United Kingdom Government do not transgress international law in any way.”
The above is a verbatim copy from Hansard volume 455 no. 23 paragraphs 132 and133