The long-standing debate surrounding the Parthenon Marbles has gained renewed attention following the recent meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While many observers had hoped the subject would be addressed, the issue was conspicuously absent from the agenda during their discussions.
Held at 10 Downing Street, the meeting took place on December 3, 2024, marking Mitsotakis's first major visit to the UK since a contentious episode last year. The past tensions arose when then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak abruptly canceled another meeting due to Mitsotakis's comments equaling the removal of the Parthenon sculptures to cutting Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” in half. Such remarks did not sit well with Sunak, who accused Mitsotakis of attempting to “grandstand” and rehash historical grievances.
During this more recent encounter, Starmer aimed to focus on contemporary shared challenges, such as migration and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. At the start of the meeting, Starmer expressed his desire to bolster the burgeoning relationship between the two nations, underscoring the UK’s importance to Greece concerning security challenges. Meanwhile, Mitsotakis emphasized Greece’s perspective on the UK’s role, particularly as it pertains to stabilizing southeastern Europe.
Insiders from the Greek government have indicated progress has been made toward returning the marbles, which have been displayed at the British Museum since they were taken by Lord Elgin over 200 years ago. These antiquities are deeply woven within Greece’s cultural identity, and many Greeks view their return as both integral and overdue.
A notable backdrop to the meeting was the recent polling data, indicating over half of Britons—53 percent—support the return of the Parthenon Marbles. This data, released shortly before the meeting, suggests the British public may be more receptive to discussions than previously thought.
Although Mitsotakis did mention the Parthenon Marbles at the meeting, Greek sources later implied the dialogue didn’t yield any substantive outcomes. Discussions surrounding the marbles have shifted toward legal frameworks surrounding potential loans, as current laws prevent their permanent return to Greece. Starmer’s spokesperson highlighted no plans exist to change such laws, maintaining the position firmly falls under the purview of the British Museum.
The British Museum currently engages with Greece over possible long-term loan arrangements, which has often been met with skepticism from the Greek side. Critics argue such agreements imply recognition of British ownership of the marbles, which Greece staunchly disputes. The museum itself has stated through its communications channel about the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of establishing “a Parthenon partnership,” indicative of hope for collaboration between the two nations for the artifacts' future.
Prof. Irene Stamatoudi, who has previously acted as advisor to Greece during negotiations, expressed optimism about the current state of talks. She noted negotiations have progressed recently, highlighting interest in developing “a cultural, strategic partnership” between Greece and the UK, possibly involving the exchange of other artifacts to balance the return of the marbles.
Despite the prevailing optimism from some Greek officials, the British stance remains cautious, with sources frequently reiterative about the independence of the museum's trustee decisions from governmental influence. This independence is particularly salient when considering the British Museum Act of 1963, which legally binds the museum from de-accessioning items from its collection.
The atmosphere surrounding the marbles discussion reflects larger themes of cultural heritage, national identity, and the complex relationship between historic artifacts and their rightful ownership. Greece continues to assert the marbles were unlawfully removed under coercive circumstances, echoing sentiments across the globe advocating for the restitution of culturally significant artifacts.
Starmer’s administration, reflecting his predecessors’ approach, indicated any permanent relocation of items remains unlikely without legislative changes—a prospect neither party seems ready to tackle. This legislative hurdle looms large over the potential resolution of the marbles' fate, effectively keeping them cloistered within the British Museum.
While the main subject of the Parthenon Marbles may not have found its way onto the official agenda, their significance continues to resonate, prompting discussions about cultural property and the broader consequences of colonial legacies. With Mitsotakis and Starmer leveraging their meeting to reinvigorate bilateral ties, the anticipation for any breakthrough concerning the marbles persists, keeping the topic firmly within public consciousness.
