Parthenon Sculptures

Debate between Baroness Chakrabarti and Baroness Twycross

Tuesday 3rd November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

At present, there is no agreement for us to lean into in that way but, as I said, the British Museum recognises the strength of feeling on this. It is working very hard to find an arrangement that works within the current legal framework. I refer noble Lords to the point that I made earlier around the implementation of Sections 15 and 16 of the Charities Act, which is part of the review. However, we are open to the museum exploring a loan agreement if that is agreeable to Greece’s Ministers and population.

[Baroness Chakrabarti (Lab)]

My Lords, if some of the crown jewels had been pinched, we would not be so glad of a loan agreement. Given what my noble friend the Minister said about this being a matter for the British Museum, will the British Museum Act be amended to untie the hands of the museum?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

We have no plans to review the British Museum Act. It was not in the King’s Speech. However, we recognise the strength of feeling on this. I can only stress that the British Museum is working extremely hard and discussing possible solutions with Greek Ministers.