Downing Street ‘blocked Mary Beard role at British Museum because she is anti-Brexit’ | UK News
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The British Museum’s bid to make classicist Mary Beard a trustee was rejected by Number 10 because of her pro-European views, it is claimed.
It is understood the 65-year-old was turned down last year at the end of former prime minister Theresa May’s time in office.
Whitehall sources said that when the museum asked why she had not been approved, the government said it did not appreciate her pro-EU remarks made on social media, according to The Observer.
It is thought the British Museum can still appoint the professor
A source also told the PA news agency that the classicist’s name was rejected because of her pro-Remain views.
Sir John Tusa, a former trustee, told The Observer that it was an “absolute scandal”.
He added: “The trustees of the British Museum exist to protect its intellectual, academic and political independence.
“Will any Remainer now expect to be punished by the government?”
Professor Beard told the newspaper: “There are cock-ups and conspiracies.
“I’m not, however, going to diss Boris Johnson or the Department of Culture.”
It is thought the museum can still appoint the professor and broadcaster, as trustees are able to choose some members independently.
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