Parthenon Sculptures

Lord Addington Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The British Museum Act 1963 prevents the museum disposing of items in its collection. There are limited exceptions for duplicates and objects that are not fit for retention, with specific exemptions created in legislation for objects taken during the Nazi era and for human remains that are less than 1,000 years old. We welcome that the British Museum is in discussion with Greek Ministers to seek a constructive partnership. The director of the museum has alluded to the Bayeux Tapestry loan as a potential model. That is an interesting idea. The loan of the tapestry is proving a huge success story.

[Lord Addington (LD)]

My Lords, can the Government assure us that if an agreement is reached by the British Museum with Greece, any legislation that is required will be passed within this Parliament?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

At present, there is no agreement for us to lean into in that way but, as I said, the British Museum recognises the strength of feeling on this. It is working very hard to find an arrangement that works within the current legal framework. I refer noble Lords to the point that I made earlier around the implementation of Sections 15 and 16 of the Charities Act, which is part of the review. However, we are open to the museum exploring a loan agreement if that is agreeable to Greece’s Ministers and population.