The Greek government is optimistic about the possibility of borrowing the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum after receiving positive indications. Chris Bryant of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport mentioned the museum’s willingness to cooperate and make a decision on the loan. This development signals a departure from the previous Conservative government’s approach.
Labour’s Keir Starmer aims to use the return of the sculptures as part of a “charm offensive” to strengthen UK relations with Europe. While Labour emphasizes borrowing over changing existing laws, Greece asserts full ownership of the disputed artifacts. The British side prefers a loan agreement similar to the one between the British Museum and the Manhyia Palace Museum in Ghana.
With hopes of a positive outcome, the Greek-British discussions have moved past the previous roadblocks under the Conservative government. The potential loan of the Parthenon Sculptures signifies a shift in Brexit-era dynamics, showcasing a new chapter in UK-Greece relations under Labour leadership.