UK Prime Minister Liz Truss Turns Down Return Of Greek Parthenon Marbles

New UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has ruled out any suggestions that the country will be handing back the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, after numerous calls for them to be returned.

The artifacts, which have been housed in the British Museum since the early 19th century, were touted to be returned to its homeland earlier this year, when Chairman of the British Museum George Osborne said there was a “deal to be done” over the long-standing issue. 

Osborne told LBC radio in June that “sensible people could arrange something,” though if neither side compromises, a deal may not be possible. 

According to ARTnews, the Parthenon Marbles are a collection of sculptures dating back to the 5th century BCE. They were taken from the temple in Athens by Scottish nobleman Lord Elgin, and brought to the UK in 1817.

However, in a recent interview with GB News, Truss said she did not support the endeavor, though a government spokesperson clarified to The Guardian that the museum operated independently of the authorities, and only it could have the final say. 

Will the matter ever be resolved? Well, it seems the museum is inching towards a softer stance on the matter, suggesting a “cultural exchange” could take place and that it was working to “change the temperature of the debate.” 

[via The Art Newspaper and ARTnews, cover image Pilotf18 | Dreamstime.com]