British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has backed away from his long-standing support for their return to Greece, drawing sharp rebukes from prominent scholars even as diplomatic pressure on London builds.
Mr. Burnham took office in July having spent years, first as a lawmaker and later as mayor of Greater Manchester, calling for the sculptures' unconditional repatriation.
But in an interview with the Financial Times last month, he demurred, saying the matter was "ultimately… an issue for the British Museum."
The shift has disappointed advocates who had hoped his premiership might finally break the impasse.
The retreat lands as international pressure mounts on another front: human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin-Clooney, during a high-profile visit to Athens, told reporters she hopes to find the sculptures back in Greece the next time she returns.
Louis Godart, an archaeologist who leads the International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, called the reversal cowardly and accused Mr. Burnham of sacrificing universal values for political convenience. Mr. Godart, who teaches at the University of Naples "Federico II," said Lord Elgin stripped the sculptures from the Temple of Athena as a plunderer, and argued that millions of Britons — not just Greeks — back their return.
Paul Cartledge, a Cambridge University professor of Greek history and vice president of the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles, was equally blunt, calling the shift a clear step backward.
Mr. Cartledge noted that Mr. Burnham, in his earlier roles, had insisted flatly that the British Museum simply hand the sculptures back, no strings attached.
Both scholars said the prime minister is now leaning on the same deflection past British governments have used: that authority rests solely with the museum's trustees, who are barred by the British Museum Act of 1963 from permanently removing collection items except in narrow cases.
Changing that law would require an act of Parliament — something successive governments have sidestepped.
The British Museum says talks with Greece over a proposed "Partnership for the Parthenon," which could see sculptures loaned to Athens long-term in exchange for other Greek antiquities touring London, remain constructive.
A 2025 poll found 56% of Britons favor returning the Marbles, versus 22% opposed.
By Irene Hatzoglou