Elgin Marbles a matter for the British Museum not govt, says No 10

Ahead of the Boris Johnson’s meeting with Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis today, Downing Street has said the ownership of the  Elgin Marbles is a decision for the British Museum

The prime minister’s official spokesperson said ahead of the talks: “I won’t pre-empt their meeting. The possession of the marbles is a matter purely for the museum, it’s not one for the UK Government.”

The prime minister said earlier this year that the marbles were legally acquired .

“The British Museum operates independently of the Government, it is free – rightly – from political interference,” the spokesperson told reporters this afternoon.

“Any decisions relating to the collections are taken by the museum’s trustees and any question about the location for the Parthenon sculptures is a matter for them.”

Mr Mitsotakis has been vocal about his wish for the marbles to return to Greece.