in-cyprus 4 December 2024
Britain and Greece appear close to reaching an agreement for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, according to Greek officials and advisers.
The development follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Downing Street on Tuesday, where Starmer indicated he would not obstruct any decision by the British Museum to return the sculptures.
Professor Irene Stamatoudi, a former Greek government adviser, told BBC Radio 4 that “negotiations have gone forward” regarding the marble sculptures, which were brought to Britain 200 years ago. A Greek official separately confirmed that “progress for the return of the Parthenon marbles has been made.”
Downing Street maintained that decisions regarding the sculptures “are a matter for trustees of the British Museum, which is operationally independent of the Government.” Reports suggest the arrangement could take the form of a loan agreement.
However, the potential deal has drawn criticism from some quarters. Shadow minister Saqib Bhatti opposed the move, arguing that “the British Museum has cared for these precious artefacts for generations” and that the prime minister “should be standing up for Britain, our heritage, and our world-class cultural institutions instead of giving in to pressure from campaigners.”
