The fate of the Parthenon Marbles is back in the spotlight as UK Labour leader Keir Starmer prepares to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis next week. The meeting comes amid renewed calls for the return of the sculptures, held by the British Museum for over 200 years.
While Downing Street has indicated Starmer won’t change the 1963 law preventing the British Museum from returning the marbles, a potential loan agreement could be on the table. A Starmer ally told the Financial Times, “We are open to whatever is agreed,” suggesting a more flexible approach than the previous UK government.
Last year, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak abruptly cancelled a meeting with Mitsotakis over the issue, insisting the marbles were legally acquired and remain the property of the British Museum trustees. This refusal to discuss repatriation sparked a diplomatic rift between the UK and Greece.
Now, with Starmer at the helm, Greece hopes for a more receptive ear. Momentum for the marbles’ return is growing internationally, with Acropolis Museum director Nikolaos Stambolidis citing a 2021 UNESCO decision and support from countries like Turkey. He argues that international law doesn’t support retaining illegally acquired artifacts, regardless of how long they’ve been held, and points to the Acropolis Museum’s burgeoning visitor numbers (nearly 2 million in 2023) as further justification for their return. Legal and ethical arguments continue to underpin Greece’s claim.
Poll of the Day: Should the Parthenon Marbles be returned to Greece?
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AviGA5tmL/?mibextid=qi2Omg