Sir Keir Starmer has been accused by the Conservatives of plotting to commit “cultural vandalism” by agreeing with Greece’s Prime Minister to the surrender of the Elgin Marbles if he becomes Prime Minister.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Tory MP Alexander Stafford said that the priceless artefacts, which have been housed in the British Museum for over two centuries, “are part of British cultural history”.
He said: “Any British politician, including the Leader of the Opposition, who calls for their removal to Athens not only seeks to undermine a rich legal precedent, but also engages in their own form of cultural vandalism by ignoring the deep historical ties fostered over two centuries of display and study in the UK.”
The MP, who is vice chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on the British Museum, added: “That Sir Keir seems to want to do so without seeking the approval of the British public at the ballot box makes this doubly inexcusable.”
The stinging broadside against the Labour leader comes after he met the Prime Minister of Greece yesterday, whereas Rishi Sunak cancelled his meeting – set for today – at the last minute.
Mr Stafford praised the Prime Minister for choosing to “stand up for British interests, British culture and British history”, adding: “This is a stark contrast to the knee-bending Sir Keir who is only too keen to sell us down the river to a foreign power.”
Downing Street told reporters that the Prime Minister pulled out of his planned meeting because it risked being “dominated” by the issue of the Elgin Marbles, while Sir Keir said afterwards their conversation covered “boosting UK-Greek cooperation in key areas”.
Allies of the Labour leader have previously indicated that he would not “stand in the way” of any loan agreed of the Marbles between the British Museum and the Greek Government.
The Conservatives have seized upon this difference in approach in a statement by the party: “Keir Starmer’s lost his marbles if he thinks people want a leader who surrenders British Museum artefacts to Europe. They belong here. Under Rishi Sunak they’ll stay here.”
Labour has stressed that it has “no plans” to change the law stopping the Museum from handing over the Elgin Marbles.
“Strong cultural and historical partnerships between countries are important to ensure the British Museum, and other UK cultural institutions, can maintain their world-leading status,” a spokesperson said.
“The next Labour government will hear the case from the British Museum and its chair on any proposed changes to the National Heritage Act 1983 as it stands. We’ve no current plans to change it.”
