Row over ‘unlawfully removed cultural objects’ could feature in Brexit talks
Sections of the Parthenon Marbles in London's British Museum. Photograph: Matthew Fearn/PA. - Credit: PA
The EU could demand the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece as part of upcoming Brexit talks.
According to a document shared on social media, the EU's latest negotiating position called for the UK and Brussels to "address issues relating to the return or restitution of unlawfully removed cultural objects to their countries of origin".
The Guardian reported that the proposition had been argued for by Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Greece, but was about a desire to stop the fraudulent movement of antiquities around Europe rather than a direct reference to the marbles.
The Parthenon marbles, which date back to the fifth century BC, were once in the ancient Greek Parthenon temple and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens but around half were taken to Britain in the early nineteenth century by staff working for the Earl of Elgin, Thomas Bruce.
The acquisition of the sculptures has been controversial for more than 200 years and the Acropolis Museum in Athens, which has the remaining sculptures that were left in Greece, has left space empty for their return as part of its current display.
You may also want to watch:
But the government claims returning the Parthenon marbles to Greece will not be discussed during the upcoming trade negotiations with the European Union.
But a government spokeswoman ruled out the prospect of discussing re-homing the sculptures during next month's trade talks.
Most Read
- 1 This chumocracy is costing our country
- 2 Nigel Farage loses nearly 50,000 followers after Twitter suspends QAnon accounts
- 3 Fifteen ways to fix Britain
- 4 Michel Barnier tells UK to be 'very careful' in Brexit diplomatic status row
- 5 Bob Geldof takes swipe at No 10 saying 'lying is second nature' to them
- 6 Independent SAGE adviser gives scathing assessment of Priti Patel's £800 Covid fines
- 7 Jacob Rees-Mogg says it's 'all the EU's fault' musicians can't tour Europe
- 8 Tory minister admits UK rejected EU's music visa offer in order to 'take back control' of borders
- 9 George Osborne hopes for Brexit dividend
- 10 Piers Morgan tells Gavin Williamson to resign for being a 'catastrophe'
A spokeswoman said: "The EU are still finalising their mandate - this is currently in draft.
"The UK's position on the Parthenon sculptures remains unchanged - they are legal responsibility of the British Museum. That is not up for discussion as part of our trade negotiations."
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
