By Basant El-Faramawy
The UK government has no plans to change the law to allow the Elgin Marbles to be permanently returned to Greece, Culture minister Baroness Twycross told the House of Lords on Tuesday. The sculptures, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, have been displayed at the British Museum since the early 19th century.
Legal barriers to permanent return
Baroness Twycross confirmed that the British Museum Act 1963 prevents the museum from disposing of items in its collection, with limited exceptions for duplicates, Nazi-era objects, and human remains under 1,000 years old. She said the government welcomes ongoing discussions between the British Museum and Greek ministers on a potential long-term loan of the sculptures.
Greek demands and historical context
Greece has long demanded the marbles' return, arguing they were illegally removed during Ottoman occupation. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has likened their presence in the UK to "cutting the Mona Lisa in half." The marbles were taken by Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, who said he had permission from Ottoman authorities.
Peers debate return versus loan
During the Lords debate, Labour peer Baroness Chakrabarti compared the situation to the Crown Jewels being "pinched," while Green Party peer Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb expressed sympathy for Greece's claim. Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Hussein-Ece noted a purpose-built museum in Athens awaits the sculptures. Conservative peer Viscount Hailsham warned that returning the marbles would set an "unfortunate precedent" for other artefacts acquired abroad.
Bayeux Tapestry cited as loan model
The British Museum's director has suggested the Bayeux Tapestry loan from France as a potential model. Asked whether the UK would guarantee the tapestry's return, Baroness Twycross said it would be "over my dead body" that the UK tried to keep it.
