Sunak: The Parthenon Sculptures will not return to Greece permanently

Rishi Sunak ruled out the possibility of changing the law that prohibits the British Museum from returning the Parthenon sculptures permanently to Greece. The prime minister said there were no plans to change the legislation, which says the museum can only dispose of items from its collections in limited circumstances.

“The UK has been caring for the Elgin Marbles for generations. Our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country,” Sunak told reporters on his plane to the US.

The legislation will not change

“We share these treasures with the world and people come to the UK to see them. The British Museum’s collection is protected by law and we have no plans to change that,” added the British Prime Minister.

According to Reuters, the former finance minister George Osborne, the current president of the British Museum, is working on a new arrangement with Greece through which one will be able to see the sculptures, both in London and in Athens.

The Parthenon Project, which is backed by British politicians of various political parties to settle the issue, announced yesterday, Sunday, that the Parthenon marbles, which are owned by the British Museum, could be returned to Greece as part of a long-term deal cultural partnership.