UK insists Parthenon sculptures not on the agenda as Greek PM visits

Mitsotakis arrives in London Tuesday amid stories that members of his authorities have held, per Sky News, “personal conferences” with high brass on the museum, which has been concerned in long-running talks over a possible mortgage association of the treasures.

Any change of their standing — which led to a livid row between the Greek and then- Conservative U.Ok. authorities final yr — would wish to contain the British authorities. The 1963 British Museum act at present prevents the elimination of objects from its assortment.

During final yr’s Greek dust-up with the Tories, Keir Starmer — now prime minister however on the time chief of the opposition — made some extent of sitting down with Mitsotakis after Tory chief Rishi Sunak cancelled a gathering with him in a row over the marbles.

But a British authorities spokesperson stated Monday: “We don’t have any plans to vary current authorities coverage on restitution. Further selections regarding the care and administration of a museum’s collections, together with loaning objects, are a matter for the Trustees of the museum.”

Ahead of Mitsotakis’ go to, Starmer’s workplace stated the problem wouldn’t be on the prime minister’s agenda when the 2 leaders sit down Tuesday. Instead, Starmer will elevate points together with continued help for Ukraine and a cease-fire in Gaza, No. 10 stated.