Officials discussed legal ways to block export of the Elgin Marbles – as Sunak cancels meeting with Greek PM
Government officials have discussed legal ways they could block any export of the Elgin Marbles, Sky News understands, as Downing Street cancels a meeting between the prime minister and his Greek counterpart.
Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was due to meet Rishi Sunak in London on Tuesday morning, but No 10 cancelled on Monday evening, saying their would send the deputy prime minister, Oliver Dowden, in Rishi Sunak’s place.
Sky News has been told that at one point the government discussed blocking the export licence which some believe necessary to send them back.
The plan for a temporary loan is being pushed by George Osborne, the chairman of the British Museum and former Tory chancellor.
One senior Tory said that Mr Osborne was drawing up a “sordid deal” and makes his position “untenable”, adding: “He should go.”
Earlier today, No 10 today said Mr Sunak would not support any changes to the law that prevents the marbles from being permanently returned to Greece, and suggested he would not be in favour of any loan arrangement.
Mr Osborne, the British Museum chairman, has previously said he is exploring ways for the Marbles to be displayed in Greece, possibly involving a loan deal in which part of the sculptures would be sent to Athens.
The plans are reportedly backed by Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader.
The Financial Times has reported that Sir Keir, who represents the Holborn and St Pancras constituency – home to the British Museum – was due to tell Mr Mitsotakis that Labour will not change the law regarding the marbles.
The 1963 British Museum Act prevents the institution giving away objects from its collection except in very limited circumstances.
“We’re sticking with the existing law, but if a loan deal that is mutually acceptable to the British Museum and the Greek government can be agreed, we won’t stand in the way,” one person close to Sir Keir told the paper.
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