UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reverses position on returning Parthenon Marbles to Greece

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has retreated from earlier calls to return the Parthenon (Elgin) Marbles to Greece, telling the Financial Times that the matter is ultimately for the British Museum and emphasizing cultural diplomacy instead. Burnham, who became prime minister in July, had previously said in February 2023—while mayor of Greater Manchester—that British Museum chair George Osborne should “give the Elgin Marbles back,” and he posted on X that month: “Send [the Marbles] back, no strings.” The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport reiterated that collection decisions, including loans, are for the British Museum’s trustees, while the museum cites the British Museum Act 1963 as preventing permanent return. The sculptures have been in the British Museum since 1817 after being removed from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin, and director Nicholas Cullinan suggested that the Bayeux Tapestry loan to the UK—opening in the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery on 10 September and running until 11 July 2027—could offer a “glimmer” for a future Marbles arrangement.

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