A former Labour frontbencher has condemned the ‘theft’ of the Parthenon sculptures and affirmed that Keir Starmer is committed to resolving the longstanding dispute with Greece. Thangam Debbonaire, who recently lost her Bristol seat to the Greens, stated that the iconic statues do not belong in the British Museum.
In an interview with the Greek newspaper Ta Nea, Debbonaire highlighted ongoing negotiations regarding the Parthenon sculptures. The contentious issue has persisted for centuries, and last year saw bitter exchanges between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Greek counterpart.
Former Chancellor George Osborne has been working to negotiate a potential deal as chair of the British Museum’s board of trustees. This could involve loaning the sculptures to Greece for a decade, though it remains uncertain whether Athens will agree, as it would imply acceptance of the Museum’s legal ownership.
Resolving this saga could enhance Sir Keir’s efforts to ‘reset’ relations with Europe, a priority for his leadership. Culture Minister Chris Bryant attracted attention over the summer by praising the British Museum’s attempts to address international disputes, including that of the Parthenon sculptures.
Debbonaire, who previously served as shadow culture secretary, referred to removing the sculptures over 200 years ago as an act of ‘theft.’ She stated, “The way the Parthenon sculptures came to this country was, at best, unacceptable. We all know it was theft. If you stand before any of them in the British Museum, you are struck by what’s missing.”
While she admitted not having discussed the issue directly with Starmer, she expressed confidence that the sculptures would be returned in her lifetime. “Keir wants a solution because we’re allies. Greece is the home of democracy, and we in the Labour Party celebrate that,” she noted.
The fifth-century BC Parthenon sculptures were removed from Athens between 1801 and 1812 by the Earl of Elgin, then British ambassador, who intended to establish a private museum before transferring them to the British Museum. Greece maintains that the artefacts were taken illegally, while the UK insists they were obtained with the permission of the Ottoman authorities.
A 1963 law prevents the British Museum from permanently disposing of key items in its collection, but it does not prohibit loan agreements.
In November of last year, diplomatic tensions flared between the UK and Greece over the Parthenon sculptures. Sunak cancelled a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after the latter likened Britain retaining the sculptures to “cutting the Mona Lisa in half.”