Prime Minister Andy Burnham has revised his position on the Elgin Marbles, stating that the British Museum should decide the fate of the Parthenon Sculptures, a departure from his previous support for their return to Greece.
Previously, Burnham had advocated for the sculptures' repatriation, expressing two years prior that they should be sent to Greece "with no strings attached." He also supported an unsuccessful Private Member's Bill in 2002 aimed at transferring the Parthenon sculptures. More than two decades later, he posted on social media, "Send them back, no strings attached. Let's use culture to change how Britain is seen around the world."
Upon his election as Prime Minister, the Greek newspaper Ta Nea questioned whether he would be "Greece's strongest ally yet in Downing Street." However, Burnham's recent comments suggest a different approach.
"Ultimately it's an issue for the British Museum," Burnham stated. "Legally that's where that issue rests, but I'm all in favour of using British cultural diplomacy."
An official from the British Museum commented to the Financial Times that "there's a difference between what you say as an MP and when you're Prime Minister," adding that "it does seem that this is not a cause political capital is going to be spent on."
The British Museum confirmed that discussions with Greece regarding a "Parthenon Partnership" are ongoing. "We believe this kind of long-term partnership would strike the right balance between sharing our greatest objects with audiences around the world, and maintaining the integrity of the incredible collection we hold at the museum," a spokesperson said.