Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Parthenon Marbles: British Museum Act 1963

30 April 2025 · 4 other contributors · 4,135 words

Opened by Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire

Responding minister: Chris Bryant

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alberto Costa raised concerns about parthenon marbles: british museum act 1963 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The debate centered on the Parthenon marbles housed in the British Museum, without addressing their acquisition history or moral implications for return.
  • A proposal was made to strengthen UK-EU relations through a mutually beneficial agreement concerning the marbles.
  • The Minister highlighted existing warm ties between the UK and Greece and expressed interest in enhancing cultural exchanges.

Key requests to Government

He proposes a new and positive opportunity for the UK to forge stronger relationships with EU member states by finding a deal that would benefit his constituents and all Britons.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire

The discussion about the Parthenon marbles, which reside in the British Museum, is well known. The debate does not focus on how the British Museum acquired these marbles or whether there was moral responsibility to return them.

Other contributors (4)
  • Andrew George LD St Ives

    The hon. Member congratulated Alberto Costa on not straying into past debates and emphasized the need for a gracious act to redeem the dishonourable past by doing what is honourable now. Welcomed the Minister’s opening remarks on Lord Byron and questioned whether it is possible under the 1963 Act for the British Museum to arrange a loan.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The hon. Member commended the debate, emphasizing that it should not be about apportioning blame but rather focusing on moving forward.

  • John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings

    He acknowledged the importance of these sculptures to Western civilization and questioned if every artwork abroad should return to its origin country, aligning with his belief that the British Museum's stewardship is valuable. He briefly added his support for considering the exhibition of Greek treasures in UK museums as a means to strengthen cultural ties with Greece.

  • Torcuil Crichton Lab Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    The hon. Gentleman supported the debate's aim of fostering goodwill between Britain and Greece, using the example of the Lewis chessmen to illustrate a possible template for negotiations.

Government Response

Chris Bryant

The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism

The Minister acknowledged the warm relations between the UK and Greece, noting that this was the first debate on this issue in the current Parliament. He did not provide specific details regarding communications with Greek authorities or legal authority but expressed appreciation for the opportunity to discuss ways of enhancing cultural exchanges.

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