Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has criticized Chancellor Rishi Sunak for causing a diplomatic row with Greece. Starmer mocked the Prime Minister, accusing him of losing his marbles and having the reverse Midas touch. The controversy arose after Sunak canceled a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the last minute. Mitsotakis had reiterated his desire for the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece during a TV interview. The Elgin Marbles, ancient artifacts currently held in the British Museum, were brought to Britain in the 19th century. Starmer accused Sunak of prioritizing small politics over serious issues, and joked that it was the Prime Minister who had lost his marbles. Sunak defended his decision, claiming the Greeks had broken an agreement not to discuss the ownership of the Elgin Marbles while in the UK. The Prime Minister accused Starmer of siding with the EU over Britain, despite the Labour leader stating that he did not support returning the artifacts to Greece. The diplomatic row highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the ownership and repatriation of cultural treasures.
The controversy began when Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his desire to see the Elgin Marbles returned to Greece during a television interview. The ancient sculptures were taken from the Acropolis in Athens by UK ambassador Lord Elgin in the 19th century and have resided in the British Museum ever since. Greece has formally requested their permanent return since 1983.
However, when Mitsotakis was due to meet with Chancellor Rishi Sunak this week, the meeting was abruptly canceled. Sunak justified the decision by accusing the Greeks of breaking an agreement not to discuss the ownership of the sculptures while in the UK.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer took the opportunity to mock Sunak’s handling of the situation. Referring to the Prime Minister’s cancellation of the meeting, Starmer accused him of engaging in small politics instead of addressing more pressing global issues with a NATO and economic ally.
In an effort to hide from his failures, the prime minister was seen this week arguing about an ancient relic that only a tiny minority of the British public have an interest in, but that’s enough about the Tory party, Starmer quipped.
He went on to joke, Never mind the British Museum, it’s the prime minister who has obviously lost his marbles. Starmer also pointed out the irony of Sunak suddenly showing an interest in Greek culture while being considered the man with the reverse Midas touch because everything he touches seems to turn to rubbish.
In response, Sunak defended his decision to cancel the meeting and accused Starmer of prioritizing the interests of an EU country over Britain’s. He argued that specific commitments and assurances were made to the UK regarding the ownership of the Elgin Marbles, which were subsequently broken.
The controversy surrounding the Elgin Marbles highlights the broader debate on repatriation and the ownership of cultural artifacts. It raises questions about the legitimacy of retaining such items in institutions like the British Museum, which received a formal request for their permanent return almost four decades ago.
Although this diplomatic row may seem trivial compared to the pressing global issues at hand, it emphasizes the sensitivities and complexities surrounding cultural treasures. The debate about repatriation continues, with some arguing for the return of artifacts to their countries of origin, while others maintain that they should remain in museums where they can be accessed by a wider global audience.
