Parthenon Sculptures

Lord Dubs Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

We have a clear view that museums are independent of government; this is one of the principles that we adhere to. There are clear examples of museums returning items. As I said, however, the current position is that the British Museum is not planning to permanently return the Parthenon marbles, and that remains its position.

[Lord Dubs (Lab)]

My Lords, many of us have long argued that the Parthenon sculptures should be returned to Greece, notwithstanding what the Minister just said. Can the Minister clarify something? Does she believe that the present legislation—that is to say, Section 5(1)(c) of the British Museum Act—would be sufficient to return the sculptures, or does it require new legislation?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The British Museum Act 1963 prevents the museum disposing of items in its collection. There are limited exceptions for duplicates and objects that are not fit for retention, with specific exemptions created in legislation for objects taken during the Nazi era and for human remains that are less than 1,000 years old. We welcome that the British Museum is in discussion with Greek Ministers to seek a constructive partnership. The director of the museum has alluded to the Bayeux Tapestry loan as a potential model. That is an interesting idea. The loan of the tapestry is proving a huge success story.