UK rejects call to repatriate Parthenon sculptures

The UK Government has rejected UNESCO’s plea to return the Parthenon marbles to Greece.

A spokesperson said the collection was “acquired legally in accordance with the law at the time,” and any decisions relating to its ownership should be taken up with the British Museum.

The museum said the artefacts are “a vital element in [its] interconnected world collection”. 

"The museum is a unique resource for the world: the breadth and depth of its collection allow a global public to examine cultural identities and explore the complex network of interconnected human cultures."

Greek officials are yet to respond.