Good Morning Britain descended into a vicious shouting match on Thursday morning, as the ITV breakfast show aired a debate on the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond.
It came as Buckingham Palace announced the jewel would not be used in the coronation, amid concerns about a diplomatic row with India given its ownership has been disputed.
Good Morning Britain co-hosts Ed Balls and Ranvir Singh welcomed guests into the studio to discuss the Royal Family’s move, but the discussion quickly descended into chaos.
The UK director of Common Sense Society Emma Webb debated with broadcaster Narinder Kaur over India’s claims to be the rightful owner of the diamond.
Emma Webb kicked off the debate by saying: “There’s another case in India where they did acquire some jewels.
“It was put on display for a very short period of time and has since disappeared from public view into the government vaults because the government says that they don’t have the money to insure it for public display.”
Narinder then hit back replying: “A coloniser doesn't get to decide whether it should go back,” to which Emma asked who the ‘coloniser’ was.
Narinder replied: “The coloniser is Britain! Actually, it’s dehumanising India around the world because of the history.”
Emma then launched into an explanation of the complex history of the diamond, which is one of the largest cut in the world
Narinder shouted: “You do not know history! They stole it! End of,” as Emma spoke over her insisting: “Let me finish my point, please Narinder!” but she instead said: “No. You don’t know your history.”
She then continued: “It represents colonisation. Give it back to india. I don’t see why an Indian child has to travel all the way to the UK to look at it and pay for it.”
Host Ranvir tried to cut into the tense discussion, saying of the Palace: “They’re trying to delay the argument. They’re not trying to face up to it.”
Emma replied: “I can see why they made this decision. I can see why their advisors told them to do this, but I think it’s a mistake,” which again kicked off a back and forth as Narinder said: “The coloniser is still telling us what to do.”
Emme replied: “The most important point to make is, it’s about whether things can be seen and are on display,” but Narinder said: “So you’re saying India doesn’t know how to display its own diamonds? Please return it.”
Emma then raised her voice as well to say: “Our museums will be completely stripped of everything if we go down this road,” to which Narinder shouted: “So? Our museums are full of stolen goods. Give back everything.”
*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV
