In 2023, the Mayor of Greater Manchester posted a comment on Twitter about the Parthenon Marbles held at the British Museum: ‘Send them back, no strings. And let’s use culture to change how Britain is seen around the world.’

The prospect of returning the Marbles may not be as close as people imagine

The prospect of returning the Marbles may not be as close as people imagine

Now that the tweet’s author has become Prime Minister, campaigners are very excited that the Marbles may soon be on their way to Greece. An intrepid Greek journalist has pinpointed the continual support offered by Andy Burnham for Early Day Motions to return the Marbles since first entering Parliament in 2001.

But just as none of these motions ever passed, the prospect of returning the Marbles may not be quite as close as people imagine, even with an admittedly supportive Prime Minister. Nonetheless, there are sensible steps that the UK Government can take to facilitate restitution in the most demanding cases, while supporting a negotiated settlement over the Marbles – rather than an outright........

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