UK campaigners threaten legal action over possible return of Elgin Marbles to Greece

A group of high-profile British political figures and commentators has threatened legal action to block the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece, accusing the British Museum of engaging in secretive negotiations with Athens.

In a letter obtained by Sky News, the group of 34 signatories — including former Prime Minister Liz Truss and conservative historian David Starkey — claims the museum is involved in a “covert and accelerating campaign” to remove the ancient sculptures from its permanent collection.

The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, and trustees of the British Museum, warns that continued negotiations could prompt legal consequences. The campaigners argue that talks are taking place without public transparency and urge officials to halt the process immediately.

Signatories said they “reserve the right to seek legal advice on how best to protect the interests of the British public”, including the option of “pursuing an injunction to halt any ongoing or future negotiations until the beneficiaries have been fully informed.”

The effort is led by the Great British PAC, a right-wing pressure group founded by Claire Bullivant and Ben Habib, a former deputy leader of the Reform UK party.

The sculptures — also known as the Parthenon Marbles — were removed from the Acropolis in Athens in the early 19th century on the orders of Lord Elgin, then the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. The British Museum has held them ever since.

The marble friezes, which depict scenes from Greek mythology and religious ceremonies, remain one of the most visited exhibits at the museum. However, Greece has long contested their removal, calling for their repatriation since 1982, when then-Culture Minister Melina Mercouri made an appeal at a UNESCO conference in Mexico.

Greek officials argue the marbles were taken without legal consent and should be reunited with the remaining pieces in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

The controversy has deepened in recent months, amid reports that British Museum Chair George Osborne has been in quiet talks with Greek officials about a potential long-term loan agreement — a move some critics see as a step toward permanent return.

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