UK regulation prevents the British Museum from completely returning the sculptures to Greece. Talks are reportedly underway a few long-term mortgage, however the authorities has mentioned it is not going to change the regulation to allow their everlasting removing.
Greek authorities sources have claimed that the British prime minister isn’t against a possible deal in regards to the Elgin Marbles, following a gathering between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Sir Keir Starmer in London.
The 2 leaders met at Downing Avenue for about 40 minutes on Tuesday, with Mitsotakis reportedly elevating the problem throughout their dialogue.
Whereas Starmer’s workplace had earlier said that the sculptures weren’t on the agenda, studies counsel the British PM signalled he wouldn’t block a doable settlement between Athens and the British Museum.
The Elgin Marbles, also called the Parthenon sculptures, stay some extent of rivalry between Athens and London.
In November 2023, then-British PM Rishi Sunak cancelled a gathering with Mitsotakis, accusing him of stirring the problem to achieve consideration.
Starmer, then Labour chief, criticised Sunak’s transfer as “petty politics,” although Greek officers downplayed the incident.
Conservative criticism of Starmer
Following the current assembly, Conservative shadow tradition minister Saqib Bhatti criticised Starmer, suggesting he’s ready to return the sculptures.
“Sir Keir Starmer has already capitulated over the Chagos Islands, and now it seems he’s set to cave into the unconventional left and return the Elgin Marbles to Greece,” Bhatti mentioned in a press release.
Based on a YouGov ballot, 53% of British voters help returning the sculptures to Greece, whereas 24% oppose the transfer, and 23% are undecided.
The British Museum is legally barred from returning the artefacts completely, however discussions are ongoing a few potential long-term mortgage association.
A authorities spokesperson mentioned that selections on lending the Elgin Marbles “stay a matter for the British Museum” and confirmed that there are not any plans to amend the regulation to permit their everlasting return.
