It’s laughable for Greeks to say the Elgins are at risk

It is safe to say that there is very little chance of the Elgin Marbles turning up for sale on eBay anytime soon. Even those charged with running the British Museum, currently embroiled in a growing scandal over stolen and missing artefacts, would presumably spot them on the site.

That is why it is simply laughable for Greek experts to claim the precious sculptures are at risk after the embarrassing disclosure of a series of thefts from the institution. Leading the charge is Despina Koutsoumba, the head of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, who argues the marbles would be far safer off in Greece. Well, she would think that, wouldn’t she?

Greece has long demanded the return of the ancient treasures, which were taken in the 19th century. Tim Loughton, who chairs the all-party parliamentary group on the British Museum, spoke for sensible people everywhere when he accused Greece of ‘blatant opportunism’ in making these ridiculous claims.