British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has adopted a more cautious position on the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, declining to repeat his previous calls for their unconditional return and instead pointing to the British Museum as the institution responsible for the issue.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Burnham appeared to distance himself from comments he made before becoming prime minister on July 20.
In February 2023, while serving as mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham was asked whether then British Museum chairman George Osborne should return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. His response was unequivocal: “Yes.”
He later wrote on social media, “Send them back, unconditionally,” arguing that returning the sculptures could help strengthen Britain’s international cultural standing.
Burnham had also supported efforts to change British legislation that would allow the sculptures to be transferred to Greece. However, his position now appears significantly more restrained.
British Museum law remains a major obstacle
The central legal barrier is the British Museum Act of 1963, which restricts the museum’s trustees from permanently disposing of objects in its collection, apart from limited exceptions. The legislation does, however, allow items to be loaned overseas.
The Financial Times reported that Burnham’s current position suggests he is not prepared, at least for now, to devote significant political capital to securing the Marbles’ return.
A British Museum official told the newspaper that politicians can take different positions on cultural issues when serving as MPs or mayors compared with the policies they choose to pursue as prime minister.
Meanwhile, the British Museum says discussions with Greece over a proposed “Partnership for the Parthenon” remain constructive.
The proposal reportedly involves a long-term cultural agreement under which some of the Parthenon Sculptures could be displayed in Athens, while Greece would provide important antiquities on loan for exhibitions in London.
Bayeux Tapestry exhibition could renew debate
The issue could return to the international spotlight on September 10, when the British Museum opens its long-awaited exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry.
The 11th-century masterpiece is being displayed in Britain for the first time in almost 1,000 years under a historic loan agreement with France. The exhibition is being presented as an example of international cultural cooperation.
French President Emmanuel Macron, King Charles and Burnham are expected to attend the opening, potentially providing another opportunity for renewed discussion over Greece’s long-standing request for the Parthenon Marbles.
Burnham’s more cautious stance comes as British public opinion appears increasingly supportive of their return.
A 2025 JL Partners poll commissioned for the Parthenon Project found that 56% of Britons said they would support returning the Marbles to Greece in a hypothetical referendum, while 22% favored keeping them in London.
The Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, were removed from the Parthenon in Athens in the early 19th century and have been at the British Museum for more than two centuries. Greece has repeatedly called for their permanent reunification with the sculptures that remain in Athens.
