Kay Burley Challenges Tory Minister on Controversial Elgin Marbles Dispute

2023-11-29 08:48:07

Kay Burley Presses Government Official on Elgin Marbles Dispute

Amidst a contentious debate, Kay Burley challenged a Conservative minister regarding Chancellor Rishi Sunak's apparent diplomatic slight towards the Greek Prime Minister amid controversies surrounding the Elgin Marbles.

The meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which was eagerly anticipated, faced an abrupt cancellation, sparking significant tension between the nations.

Rishi Sunak's displeasure materialized following remarks made by Mitsotakis about the marbles, formally known as the Parthenon Sculptures, and their location in the British Museum. Greece's longstanding appeal for the return of these historical artifacts has fueled a fiery diplomatic rift.

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When Sky News interviewed Steve Barclay, the Secretary of State for Environment, he faced Burley's direct questioning on the international cultural tussle. "The Parthenon Sculpture, the Elgin Marbles - what on earth is going on there? Not very diplomatic was it of our prime minister?" she inquired.

However, Barclay defended, "The British Museum’s a jewel in the crown. It’s something that people from across the world come and enjoy and we’re very proud of." He further dismissed any need to renegotiate a matter that has been settled for a considerable duration.

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Asserting the strength of UK-Greek relations, Barclay stated that while diplomatic bonds were robust, the situation of the Elgin Marbles remains status quo, settled within the walls of the British Museum for decades.

Rejecting the "Snubbing" Allegations

Barclay countered Burley's suggestion that the Greek Prime Minister was "snubbed by our prime minister," claiming that revisiting a resolved issue was not a productive venture.

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Burley, not satisfied with Barclay's rationale, pressed him further: "Why cancel the meeting? There were lots of other things to talk about, not least immigration."

Defending the Prime Minister’s stance, Barclay reiterated the significance of the Marbles and their inseparable connection with the British Museum, emphasizing that the public expects the Prime Minister to uphold longstanding decisions regarding cultural artifacts of such importance.

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