UK has no plans to return Elgin Marbles, says Sunak

RISHI SUNAK has promised not to allow the Elgin Marbles to be returned permanently to Greece as the British Museum considers a deal that would result in the sculptures being shared between London and Athens.

During a visit to San Diego, the Prime Minister said that the ancient carvings were “a huge asset to this country” and pledged to keep hold of them. He made the remarks as George Osborne, the chairman of the British Museum, tries to make a deal under which they would be exhibited in both Britain and Greece.

“The UK has cared for the Elgin Marbles for generations. Our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country,” Mr Sunak said. “We share their treasures with the world, and the world comes to the UK to see them.

“The collection of the British Museum is protected by law, and we have no plans to change it.”

The sculptures could only be permanently returned to Greece if an act of Parliament that protects their status in Britain was ripped up by MPS.

Whitehall sources have confirmed that the Government would also view any long-term loan as contrary to the spirit of that law.

The marbles, which Greece calls the Parthenon Sculptures, have long been a source of contention between London and Athens.

Last month, Mr Osborne said that he was optimistic that a “win-win” deal can be struck in which the sculptures are displayed in both capital cities.

He said: “It’s a very hard problem to solve. But I think there is a way forward where these sculptures, the Elgin Marbles, the Parthenon Sculptures, could be seen both in London and in Athens, and that will be a win-win for Greece and for us.”