Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis vowed to intensify his country's campaign to repatriate the Parthenon marbles from the British Museum. He plans to raise the issue forcefully with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, expressing disappointment over Burnham's apparent shift in stance on the matter since taking office.
The dispute over the Parthenon marbles is a long-standing cultural and diplomatic issue that could impact UK-Greece relations and potentially influence broader discussions about the UK's relationship with the European Union. A resolution could set a precedent for the return of other disputed cultural artifacts globally.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Tuesday that he will significantly increase his government's efforts to secure the return of the Parthenon marbles from the British Museum. Mitsotakis expressed disappointment with the lack of progress in negotiations and highlighted UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's past support for restitution, suggesting a potential link between the marbles' repatriation and the UK's future relationship with the European Union.
Speaking at a conference in Athens, Mitsotakis stated that he would raise the issue with Burnham in the "strongest of terms." He conceded that talks with the British Museum, chaired by George Osborne, had failed to yield results. The Greek leader noted that Burnham, as culture secretary in a previous Labour government, had been "unequivocally" supportive of returning the sculptures. Mitsotakis also suggested that the Parthenon sculptures could become part of a broader discussion about strengthening UK-EU ties, framing the issue as one of European cultural significance.
Mitsotakis's remarks come amid reported dismay in Athens over Burnham's apparent change of position since becoming prime minister, with Greek officials noting his recent statement that the dispute was a matter for the British Museum to resolve. Burnham's support for the marbles' return dates back 25 years, and his elevation to prime minister had been seen by Athens as a significant opportunity. In 2023, as mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham had publicly stated, "Send them back, no strings."
The British Museum has held approximately 160 meters of the Parthenon frieze since 1816, acquired from Lord Elgin, Britain's ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, over 200 years ago. Mitsotakis's administration has focused on reunifying the artworks in Athens and proposed a potential "win-win" solution involving a cultural partnership. This could include Greece lending unique antiquities, never before seen outside the country, to the UK in exchange for the sculptures. Mitsotakis believes British public opinion also supports the reunification of the masterpieces.
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