YouGov poll shows majority support in UK for returning Parthenon Sculptures to Greece

A new YouGov poll published by The Times on November 14, 2026, reveals that over half of British citizens support the permanent return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Athens. According to the survey data, 52% of respondents advocate for the repatriation of the marbles to the Acropolis Museum, while only 20% express opposition to the idea.

The public support increases significantly when the potential return is linked to a broader cultural partnership between Greece and the United Kingdom. This proposed arrangement suggests that while the Parthenon Sculptures would be returned to Greece, British museums would receive significant archaeological artifacts and collections on loan, including items that have never previously been exhibited outside of Greece.

This polling reflects a shifting sentiment regarding the long-standing dispute over the Elgin Marbles, which have remained at the British Museum for decades. The survey serves as a barometer for current public opinion in the UK, potentially influencing future diplomatic negotiations regarding cultural heritage and museum collaborations between the two nations.