UK PM Burnham Reverses Stance on Parthenon Marbles Return
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has shifted his viewpoint regarding the Parthenon Marbles, now recognizing that the British Museum has the final say on their fate. In a recent chat with the Financial Times, he pointed out that the museum, not him, should decide the issue, despite his earlier insistence that George Osborne should help return them. In February 2023, Burnham had declared, "Yes, George Osborne should give the Elgin Marbles back," and pushed for their return on social media. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport confirmed that the museum's trustees are the ones with the authority, as stated in the British Museum Act of 1963. The Marbles have been in the British Museum since 1817. Nicholas Cullinan proposed a potential loan deal concerning the Bayeux Tapestry, expected to be finalized in July 2025.
Key facts
- Andy Burnham reversed his previous support for returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.
- Burnham now says the issue is for the British Museum, not the government.
- In February 2023, Burnham publicly urged George Osborne to return the Marbles.
- The British Museum Act 1963 prevents the permanent return of the Marbles.
- Burnham introduced a private member's bill in 2002 to amend the act, but it was dropped.
- The Marbles have been in the British Museum since 1817, removed by Lord Elgin.
- The Bayeux Tapestry loan agreement was signed in July 2025 by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron.
- Nicholas Cullinan suggests the Bayeux Tapestry loan could pave the way for a Marbles loan.
Entities
Artists
- Lord Elgin
Institutions
- British Museum
- The Financial Times
- Manchester Museum
- Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
- British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles
- Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery
- Financial Times
- Acropolis Museum
- Parthenon
- British Parliament
- Acropolis of Athens
Locations
- Greece
- UK
- Manchester
- Athens
- France
- Britain
- United Kingdom
- London
- Acropolis of Athens