Elgin Marbles a Matter for British Museum, Not Government: Downing Street

The potential return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece remains a matter for the British Museum, not the government, according to Downing Street.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday to discuss issues including illegal migration, support for Ukraine, economic growth, and investment.
However, the contentious topic of the Elgin Marbles was not part of their agenda, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed.
“The government’s position is unchanged: we have no plans to amend the law to allow a permanent move. Decisions relating to the care and management of the sculptures are a matter for the trustees of the British Museum, which operates independently of the government,” the spokesperson said.
Greece has long sought the return of the Elgin Marbles, which were removed from Athens in the early 19th century by Lord Elgin, then the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. The marble friezes and statues, once part of the Parthenon’s pediments and pillars, are now displayed in the British Museum.
Greece contends that the sculptures were stolen, while Lord Elgin maintained he had permission from Ottoman authorities to remove them, saying he was preserving them as the Parthenon fell into ruin.
When asked about the possibility of loaning the Marbles, the Downing Street spokesperson reiterated, “Those decisions are entirely for the British Museum.”
The removal of objects from the institution’s collection is prohibited under the 1963 British Museum Act.
The museum could form a cultural partnership with the Greek government, which would see the sculptures returned to Athens in exchange for exhibitions of iconic artworks.
Talks regarding a “Parthenon Partnership” are described as “ongoing and constructive,” according to the museum.
However, he has expressed openness to a loan arrangement if agreed upon by the British Museum and the Greek government.
The Tuesday meeting between the two leaders focused on shared interests, including education, global security, and defence.
Greece, a NATO ally and a key entry point for migrants into Europe, has faced increasing challenges with irregular migration and asylum seekers.
The prime ministers agreed to intensify joint efforts to tackle illegal migration and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, as well as the need for a ceasefire in Gaza to stabilize the Middle East.
Mitsotakis emphasised the importance of the UK–Greece partnership during turbulent times.
“We see the United Kingdom as integral to addressing the security challenges we face, not just in Ukraine but also in southeastern Europe and the Middle East,” he said.
Starmer has stressed the need to “move beyond Brexit” and establish a robust security pact with the EU.
“The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners. This has never been more important—with war, conflict, and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door,” he said.
On Tuesday, Starmer also welcomed Greece’s upcoming presidency at the U.N. Security Council in 2024 as an opportunity for further discussions on international security.