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Tue, December 3, 2024

Politics latest: Elgin Marbles row reignites as Starmer meets Greek PM


Published on 2024-12-03 08:00:40 - Brian Stokes, N@N
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  • Downing Street insists the possible return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece is not on the agenda for Keir Starmer's meeting with the Greek prime minister today.

The ongoing dispute over the Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, has been reignited as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in London. The marbles, currently housed in the British Museum, were taken from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century. Greece has long demanded their return, arguing they were stolen, while the UK maintains they were legally acquired. During the meeting, Mitsotakis expressed his hope for a "win-win" solution, suggesting a cultural exchange where the marbles could be loaned back to Greece. This proposal, however, faces challenges due to UK laws prohibiting the museum from permanently returning items in its collection. The issue has also stirred political debate in the UK, with Conservative MPs criticizing Labour for potentially undermining the British Museum's position. Meanwhile, Starmer has not committed to any specific policy on the marbles, focusing instead on broader diplomatic relations.

Read the Full Sky Article at:
[ https://news.sky.com/story/politics-latest-elgin-marbles-row-reignites-as-starmer-meets-greek-pm-12593360 ]
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