Rishi Sunak: 'No plans' for Elgin Marbles law change to return Parthenon sculptures to Greece

British PM rules out law change for return of Elgin Marbles collection of sculptures to Greece

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has ruled out changing a law that prohibits the British Museum handing the Elgin Marbles — a collection of Parthenon sculptures — permanently back to Greece.

Elgin Marbles: Rishi Sunak has no plans to return them to Greece

The prime minister has thrown cold water on the idea that the Elgin Marbles might be returned to Greece after he announced on Monday that there were “no plans”

No plans to change law blocking Elgin Marbles from being given to Greece, Sunak says

Speculation mounting that disputed artefacts could be sent back to Greece on a long-term loan

Rishi Sunak: 'No plans' for Elgin Marbles law change to return Parthenon sculptures to Greece

A campaign backed by MPs from across the political spectrum has been trying to find a way to "reunify" the sculptures with other historic works in Athens - but the government has not been enthusiastic about any potential deal being reached with Greek officials.

No change in law to allow Elgin Marbles to return to Greece

The 1963 British Museum Act stops the institution from giving away items in its collection. Rishi Sunak has said he has no intention of changing the law to allow the sculptures to be returned.

No plans to change law blocking Elgin Marbles from being given to Greece – Sunak

Athens has long demanded the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, which were removed from Greece by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.