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Majority of Britons want Elgin Marbles returned to Greece in fresh blow to British Museum
A YouGov poll suggests most Britons want the Parthenon sculptures, commonly known as the Elgin Marbles, returned permanently to Greece. The findings add to pressure on the British Museum and the Government, while negotiations over a possible cultural partnership remain unresolved.
The survey of about 2,500 adults, conducted in mid-October, found that just one in five preferred the sculptures to stay at the museum; support for return rose further when linked to exchanges of Greek artefacts. A proposed partnership, involving reunification at the Acropolis Museum and Greek exhibitions in Britain, was backed by 72 per cent of Labour voters and 60 per cent of Conservative supporters. The museum is legally restricted from permanently giving away collection items, and Greece rejects a loan proposal that would imply British ownership.
In short
- Most Britons surveyed favour returning the sculptures to Greece.
- A cultural partnership has cross-party support.
- Legal limits and disagreement over ownership stall talks.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Returning the sculptures would reunite an important part of the Parthenon with the monument and allow Greece to present them in their historical and cultural context. The reported public support and the proposed partnership suggest that return could be paired with continued access in Britain to Greek artefacts and exhibitions.
The case against
The British Museum’s trustees must follow the law restricting permanent disposal of collection items, and may see keeping the sculptures in London as consistent with their duty to preserve and share the collection. A partnership based on loans or exchanges could broaden access to Greek culture while avoiding a precedent for permanently transferring objects whose ownership remains disputed.
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