Closed petition Amend the British Museum Act to allow the acceptance of repatriation requests

Closed on 3 February 2023

The Prime Minister recently ruled out discussing the return of the Parthenon Marbles, saying it was a matter for the British Museum. However, in order for the British Museum to be able to accept a request for these artefacts to be repatriated the British Museum Act needs to be amended.

The unceremonious removal of these historical sculptures more than 200 years ago has been contentious ever since they were ripped out from the magnificent Parthenon temple in Athens. This selfish act of ‘vandalism’ and disregard for national symbolism was ordered by Lord Elgin at the time. The marbles represent the cultural identity and heritage of millions of Greek people. The British Museum has said it “needs an act of Parliament” to repatriate them. It is time for Britain to finally cooperate.

Let’s show the Greeks and the watching world our British sense of fair play and what Britain is today by making this gesture of goodwill and friendship.