Reform UK's Yusuf Vows to Ban NYC Mayor Over Koh-i-Noor Call

Reform UK leader Zia Yusuf has vowed to ban New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani from entering Britain after Mamdani urged King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India. The 105-carat diamond, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, is part of the Crown Jewels held at the Tower of London.

Mamdani, who has Indian roots and was elected as New York's youngest mayor last year, stated he would encourage King Charles to return the Koh-i-Noor during their meeting in New York. The diamond's ownership has been disputed by India, which claims it was stolen during British rule. Despite this, Mamdani was pictured sharing a laugh with the king when they met at the 9/11 memorial on Wednesday.

Yusuf, who would oversee the Home Office if Reform won power, criticized Mamdani's remarks as insulting to the King and vowed to ban him from Britain unless he retracts his statement. However, Yusuf faced scrutiny over Reform's commitment to free speech following his social media outburst. Independent MP Shockat Adam questioned the party's stance on free speech in light of Yusuf's threat.

The Koh-i-Noor diamond has a complex history, having passed through the hands of Mughal emperors, Shahs of Iran, Emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh Maharajas. The East India Company took the jewel from deposed 10-year-old Maharajah Duleep Singh in 1849 as part of the Treaty of Lahore. The diamond was recut in 1852 to improve its brilliance and is currently set in the crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.