UK Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, accuses Greek Prime Minister of using Elgin Marbles issue for showmanship during PMQs

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has accused the Greek prime minister of trying to make a spectacle of the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles. Sunak defended his decision to cancel a meeting with the Greek PM, stating that it was clear the meeting was not meant to address substantive issues but rather to grandstand. The cancellation has sparked a row, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticizing the prime minister, saying he has "lost his marbles." While Greece's foreign minister hopes for a solution to return the marbles to Greece, Sunak emphasized the importance of discussing real issues such as illegal migration and strengthening security. The debate then shifted to migration, with Sunak accusing Starmer of supporting the EU over Britain, and Starmer accusing Sunak of distorting reality. Despite the spat, Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis believes the incident will not have a negative impact on the relationship between Greece and the UK, stating that events in London have increased support for returning the marbles to Greece. The Elgin Marbles are a collection of ancient Greek treasures currently housed in the British Museum, taken from the Parthenon in the 19th century. Both Greece and the UK have longstanding positions on the ownership of these sculptures.