Britain ‘close’ to signing away Elgin marbles in new deal, Greek officials say
BRITAIN is close to signing away the Elgin Marbles, Greek officials confirmed yesterday.
No10 said Sir Keir Starmer would not stand in the way of the British Museum shipping the sculptures back to Athens.
The PM met with his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Downing Street on Tuesday for talks on subjects including illegal migration.
Prof Irene Stamatoudi, a former advisor to the Greek government, said it “seems negotiations have gone forward”.
She told BBC Radio 4 a deal over the marbles — brought to Britain 200 years ago — is now close.
A Greek official added: “Progress for the return of the Parthenon marbles has been made.”
Downing Street insisted decisions on the management of sculptures “are a matter for trustees of the British Museum, which is operationally independent of the Government”.
It is thought a deal could see the marbles loaned out — sparking claims the PM had “capitulated to the radical left” and “failed to stand up for Britain”.
Shadow minister Saqib Bhatti fumed: “The British Museum has cared for these precious artefacts for generations and given people from around the globe the chance to learn about their story.
“The PM should be standing up for Britain, our heritage, and our world-class cultural institutions instead of giving in to pressure from campaigners who detest British history.”