Rishi Sunak has accused the Greek prime minister of “grandstanding” over the deepening row surrounding the Elgin Marbles.
During a fiery clash with Sir Keir Starmer at PMQS, Mr Sunak said he cancelled a meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis because it was “clear” the purpose of it “was not to discuss substantive issues for the future, but rather to grandstand and relitigate issues of the past”.
He repeated his claim that Mr Mitsotakis broke “assurances” not to lobby for the return of the ancient Greek artefacts, on display and owned by the British Museum, while on his visit to the UK – something Athens has denied.
Sir Keir accused the prime minister of “losing his marbles” and said he managed to have a constructive meeting with Mr Mitsotakis while stating Labour’s position on the sculptures.
“I discussed with the Greek Prime Minister the economy, security, immigration. I also told him we wouldn’t change the law regarding the marbles. It’s not that difficult.
“The reality is simple. He has no plan for boat crossings and migration is at a record high.”
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Mr Sunak responded that “no one will be surprised that he’s backing an EU country over Britain” – comments Sir Keir said amounted to him arguing “that meeting the prime minister of Greece is somehow supporting the EU instead of discussing serious issues“.
Following the exchange, a former cabinet minister told Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby that Mr Sunak has “created a full diplomatic breakdown” and the Greek government are “furious”.
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