For anyone hoping that Britain will one day return the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, Andy Burnham’s appointment offers hope.
Mr. Burnham has been a long-term supporter of returning the sculptures, also known as the Parthenon marbles, that once decorated the ancient temple in Athens, but have been displayed in the British Museum for many decades.
“Send them back, no strings,” he wrote on social media in 2023.
In Greece, Mr. Burnham’s appointment has caused some excitement. On Saturday, Ta Nea, a Greek newspaper, published a lengthy article outlining his previous statements urging the return of the ancient sculptures. Would Mr. Burnham “become Greece’s strongest ally yet in Downing Street?” the newspaper asked.
How much Mr. Burnham could do to return the marbles is unclear. Past British governments have repeatedly said the issue is a matter for the British Museum, not lawmakers, while secret talks between the museum and Greece’s prime minister on a deal to return the artifacts are stalled.
The British Museum has offered to return a proportion of the artifacts on loan; Greece has said that it will only accept a deal when the museum’s entire collection is given back permanently.
Mr. Burnham could also change his views. As a student, former prime minister Boris Johnson called for the return of the sculptures to Greece, but when in power, he insisted they stay in Britain.
The culture ministries in Greece and Britain did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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