Labour has suggested it might support sending the Parthenon Marbles on a long-term loan to Greece, as Keir Starmer seeks to improve relations with the EU.
Culture Minister Chris Bryant praised the British Museum‘s efforts to resolve international disputes, including over the Parthenon sculptures.
The dispute over the Parthenon Marbles has lasted centuries, with tensions flaring last year between Rishi Sunak and his Greek counterpart. George Osborne, chair of the British Museum’s board of trustees, has been negotiating a potential deal that could see the Marbles sent to Greece for a decade, though this would imply acceptance of the Museum’s legal ownership, which Greece disputes.
Resolving the issue could aid Starmer’s goal of ‘resetting’ relations with Europe, a key priority for his premiership. The Marbles, taken from Athens by the Earl of Elgin between 1801 and 1812, have been claimed by Greece as illegally obtained. However, the UK maintains they were legally acquired with Ottoman permission.
A 1963 law prevents the British Museum from permanently disposing of key items, but it does not preclude loan deals. Last November, tensions peaked when Sunak cancelled a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who had compared Britain keeping the Marbles to ‘cutting the Mona Lisa in half.’
Responding to a Parliamentary Question, Bryant stated that decisions on the Museum’s collections are made by its Trustees. He noted that Osborne has engaged in talks with Greek ministers, aiming for a constructive partnership, similar to other international collaborations.
Recent years have seen several artefacts returned to their countries of origin under loan agreements, including a deal to loan Ghana’s ‘crown jewels’ back to Ghana. A similar agreement is being negotiated with Greece, potentially returning the Parthenon Marbles in exchange for other Greek artefacts.
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