Sterling, yen dragged by fiscal and political worries
The pound and the yen came under strain on Wednesday, weighed down by renewed investor concerns over global fiscal health and political uncertainty in...
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.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Rapper Cardi B appeared in court on Tuesday (September 2) for closing arguments in a civil case brought by her former security guard, Emani Ellis. The Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, is accused of assault and discrimination during an incident in 2018.
Anna Wintour has finally named Chloe Malle as Vogue U.S.'s head of editorial content, after stepping down as editor-in-chief in June, according to CNN.
Jessie J has cancelled her upcoming tour after sharing she needs a second surgery following her breast cancer diagnosis.
Archaeologists in south eastern Türkiye have unearthed carved stone animals that shed new light on how prehistoric people told stories. A fox, a vulture, and a wild boar—each about 3.5 cm tall—date back some 11,500 years.
Music mega-star Taylor Swift and National Football League player Travis Kelce announced their engagement. “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married," the couple wrote in a joint Instagram post, alongside photos of Kelce proposing to Swift in a garden of pink and white flowers.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment