# UK government rules out permanent return of Elgin Marbles to Greece

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/uk-government-rules-out-permanent-return-of-elgin-marbles-to-greece/
- Published: 2026-11-03T20:09:22+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T20:54:40+00:00
- Original publisher: The Independent (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/elgin-marbles-greece-return-british-museum-b3078585.html
- Topics: Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- Ministers will not change the law for a permanent return.
- The British Museum may consider a loan to Greece.
- Greece has sought the sculptures’ return for decades.

## Summary

The UK government says it has no plans to change the law to allow the Elgin Marbles to be permanently returned to Greece. The decision leaves the British Museum barred from giving away the sculptures, while discussions continue over a possible long-term loan.

Culture minister Baroness Twycross said the government welcomes talks between the museum and Greek ministers and would support consideration of a loan request if agreed. The British Museum Act 1963 allows only limited exceptions to disposing of collection items; meanwhile, chair George Osborne has discussed a loan linked to rotating exhibitions. Greece argues the sculptures were wrongly removed from the Parthenon in the early 1800s, while several UK peers have urged their return.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.