British MPs are preparing to push for a change in legislation that could allow the Elgin Marbles to be returned to Greece on an indefinite basis. Talks between Athens and the British Museum have reached an impasse, largely due to legal constraints. Currently, the museum is only able to offer the sculptures to Greece as part of a three-year loan, something the Greek government has dismissed outright. Greek officials maintain that the Marbles were taken unlawfully by Lord Elgin in the 19th century and that their return should be permanent.
++ Tackling smartphone addiction: a growing mental health challenge
Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George is spearheading efforts in Parliament to overcome these legal hurdles. He hopes to work with parliamentary draughtsmen to introduce a statutory instrument that would enable the British Museum to offer an indefinite loan, bypassing the current restriction in UK law. Mr George believes that amending the legislation would provide the flexibility needed to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement, supported by British Museum chairman George Osborne and its board of trustees.
Under the British Museum Act 1963, the museum is prohibited from disposing of items in its collection, as they are legally held in trust for the public. A loan arrangement would require Greece to acknowledge Britain’s ownership of the artefacts—something it refuses to do. Instead, Greek officials argue the sculptures were looted and should be permanently repatriated. The UK government, meanwhile, has insisted it will not amend the 1963 Act, maintaining the deadlock.
++ Controversial citizenship Bill clears commons amid fears of unequal impact
Some MPs, including former culture minister Lord Vaizey and Baroness Debbonaire, are exploring an alternative route through the Export Control Act 2002. This law currently limits the loan of cultural artefacts to three years, but if amended to allow for indefinite periods, it could provide a workaround. As the British Museum prepares for a major refurbishment of the galleries housing the Marbles, campaigners suggest the timing is right to strike a new deal and resolve the long-standing dispute.
