UK government rules out changing law for Parthenon Sculptures return

The British government has officially stated it has no intention of amending the 1963 British Museum Act, which currently prevents the permanent repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece. This announcement was made in the House of Lords on November 3, 2026, in response to an inquiry from the independent Earl of Clancarty regarding the government's stance on the issue.

Responding on behalf of the government, Culture Minister Baroness Twycross confirmed that no formal assessment of proposals for the permanent return of the sculptures has been conducted. Despite this legislative deadlock, the government expressed satisfaction that ongoing discussions between the British Museum and Greek ministers are continuing, aiming for a mutually acceptable arrangement. During the parliamentary debate, the Earl of Clancarty framed the argument for the return of the sculptures as an aesthetic and cultural priority, citing the historical example of Picasso’s 'Guernica' to illustrate the importance of artistic integrity.

Currently, there is no plan for further legislative action, and the statues remain under the legal protection of the 1963 act. Future developments depend on the ongoing informal dialogue between the British Museum and the Greek side, though the UK government maintains a firm position regarding the governing law.