Tory MPs Accuse Sunak of Distracting from Serious Issues

Tory MPs have accused Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, of using the Elgin Marbles controversy to divert attention away from pressing issues such as record migration rates and a troubled deportation scheme in Rwanda. While these senior Conservatives maintain that the ancient sculptures should remain in Britain, they argue that the diplomatic dispute is a mere "dead cat" tactic meant to distract from more significant concerns, including small boat crossings.

Sunak Sparks War of Words with Greece

Rishi Sunak ignited a war of words with Greece when he cancelled a scheduled meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The purpose of the meeting was for Mitsotakis to request the return of the Elgin Marbles. Transport Secretary Mark Harper insisted that the last-minute cancellation was not intended as a snub, stating that Sunak had been offered a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister instead. Harper emphasized ongoing discussions between the two governments on important matters.

Tory MPs Outraged by Sunak's Priorities

Outraged Tory MPs have accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson of choosing the wrong battle, particularly considering the surge in net migration to 740,000 and the legal difficulties facing the Rwanda deportation scheme. One former minister dismissed the Elgin Marbles issue as a non-issue and claimed it was meant to divert attention from immigration-related news. Another MP criticized Sunak for treating party members who prioritize migration issues as insignificant, while focusing on unrelated matters.

British Museum Chief Under Pressure to Reject Greece's "Loans Deal"

Pressure is mounting on British Museum Chief George Osborne to refuse a potential "loans deal" with Greece. Government officials are exploring legal avenues to block the export of the ancient sculptures, which would involve temporarily moving the Marbles to Greece for display. Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, who met with Mitsotakis, expressed openness to a loan arrangement. Shadow ministers criticized the Prime Minister for refusing to even discuss the issue and labeled Sunak as "weak" for picking fights with NATO allies for the sake of headlines.