← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Parthenon Marbles: British Museum Act 1963
30 April 2025
Lead MP
Alberto Costa
South Leicestershire
Con
Responding Minister
Chris Bryant
Tags
No tags
Word Count: 4135
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Alberto Costa raised concerns about parthenon marbles: british museum act 1963 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.