Andy Burnham Backs Return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece
Andy Burnham is set to become the first current British Prime Minister with a well-documented history of advocating for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, a stance he has maintained for almost 25 years. His campaign initiated in October 2001 with an Early Day Motion, followed by a Private Member's Bill in February 2002. During his tenure as Culture Secretary from 2008 to 2009, he showed readiness to work alongside Greece. In March 2020, he remarked, "now is the time to return the Marbles," and in February 2023, he called on George Osborne to facilitate their return "no strings attached." Since autumn 2023, talks between the British Museum and Greece have stalled. Burnham's views differ from those of former leaders Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn, and Sir Keir Starmer.
Key facts
- Andy Burnham has supported returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece since October 2001.
- He signed an Early Day Motion in 2001 and co-introduced a Private Member's Bill in 2002 to amend the British Museum Act 1963.
- As Culture Secretary (2008–2009), he expressed willingness to work with Greece.
- In March 2020, he wrote 'now is the time to return the Marbles.'
- In February 2023, he said 'Yes, George Osborne should give the Elgin Marbles back' and 'Send them back, no strings attached.'
- His position is more unconditional than Greece's, which offers temporary exhibitions.
- Negotiations between the British Museum and Greece have been deadlocked since autumn 2023.
- Greece seeks permanent reunification of 15 metopes, 17 pedimental figures, and 75 metres of frieze.
Entities
Institutions
- British Museum
- Parthenon Project
- British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles
- Manchester Museum
- House of Commons
- Acropolis Museum
- University of Cambridge
- Ta Nea
- Artlyst
Locations
- Greece
- Athens
- London
- Greater Manchester
- Leigh
Sources
- Artlyst —