Eluned Morgan: The Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece

Eluned Morgan, 58, is the leader of Welsh Labour – the regional branch of the UK Labour Party, led nationally by Keir Starmer. Originally from from Cardiff, made history last August by becoming the first woman to lead the devolved government of Wales. In this wide-ranging interview, she speaks warmly of her connection with legendary Greek singer Nana Mouskouri and emphasizes the untapped potential for Greece and Wales to forge much closer ties. She also rules out any reversal of Brexit or independence for Wales, instead advocating for fairer treatment within the United Kingdom.

How do you envision the relationship between Greece and Wales? Are there opportunities for collaboration?

There’s always been a strong connection between Wales and Greece. We have a significant Greek community here. I still remember the Greek grocer from the neighborhood I grew up in – the only foreigner in the area at the time. His impact on our community was huge, and incredibly positive.

We both come from warm, friendly nations with a deep tradition of hospitality. I believe we share many common values, so yes – there’s a real opportunity to build much closer relations.

We’ve heard you know Nana Mouskouri personally?

Yes! I spent quite a bit of time with her in the European Parliament (Editor’s note: Morgan served as an MEP from 1994 to 2009). She’s an extraordinary woman – always focused on collaboration and understanding the importance of compromise to achieve results.

A few years later, she came to Wales for a concert. I was in the audience and sent her a note that said, “I’m here – I’d love to say hello.” I had no idea if she’d remember me. But at the end of the show, she made this amazing speech: “We worked together in the European Parliament,” she said, “and I truly believe if Eluned and I were in charge of the world, we’d have peace.” It was a beautiful moment.

Polls show growing public support in Britain for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. Where do you stand on the issue?

I’m aware it’s a highly sensitive subject. Technically, it’s a matter for the UK government. But my personal position is clear – I believe they should be returned to Greece.

Are you optimistic that they eventually will be?

There are a lot of discussions happening. I hope those conversations will continue, and that they’ll lead to the right outcome.

You mentioned your time in the European Parliament. We know you supported the UK remaining in the EU, even after the referendum. Would you like to see the UK rejoin the EU?

We have to respect the outcome of the vote. That said, I do think people were promised things that haven’t materialized. For example, in Wales, we were told we wouldn’t be worse off after Brexit – but the truth is, we are.

We were also told that immigration would decrease, and it has actually gone up. Nigel Farage made promises that simply weren’t kept. So I’d like to see us rebuild the closest possible relationship with the EU, given we’re no longer members. That’s where we need to start.

Especially in these uncertain times for global security, the UK has a lot to contribute. There are real opportunities to work together and rebuild trust.

So you’re not calling for full rejoining of the EU?

No, I don’t think now is the right time for that. But I do believe we can forge a much closer partnership.

Speaking of Nigel Farage, a member of his party recently claimed that Reform UK could form a government in Wales after the 2026 elections. Do you see that as a realistic scenario?

That party doesn’t even have a leader in Wales. Farage is very much a one-man show. And we’ve seen what happens if someone else in his party tries to grab the spotlight – they’re pushed out.

Frankly, I don’t believe Reform UK is serious about Wales. We don’t even know what their policies are.

Do you consider Farage a threat to democracy?

I think we need to take him seriously. We’re witnessing a global shift to the right, and that’s something we can’t ignore. But I also hope people recognize that giving easy answers to complex problems doesn’t deliver real solutions.

The question of Welsh independence comes up from time to time. What’s your stance?

I don’t support independence. There is a party – Plaid Cymru – that wants Wales to become an independent nation. But I don’t believe there’s a strong appetite for that among the Welsh people.

What I do want is fairness. I’ve consistently called on the UK government – which is, after all, run by the same party as mine – to ensure a level playing field. Because sometimes, it doesn’t feel like Wales is being treated fairly.

Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve through the international investment summit you’re hosting this December?

We want the world to see Wales as a prime destination for investment. We have real expertise in areas like renewable energy, digital innovation, and modern healthcare.

This summit is our chance to spotlight those strengths – to show that Wales is not only open for business, but leading the way in key sectors of the future.