Now PM Andy Burnham's not so keen to lose the Elgin Marbles - saying the British Museum should choose their fate

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 17:04 EDT, 28 August 2026 | Updated: 17:07 EDT, 28 August 2026 Andy Burnham has backtracked on supporting the Elgin Marbles being handed back to Greece – and instead said the British Museum must decide their fate.The Prime Minister had supported returning the sculptures, saying two years ago they should be shipped to Greece with 'no strings attached'.But in one of many U-turns since his return to Westminster, Mr Burnham said: 'Ultimately it's an issue for the British Museum. Legally that's where that issue rests, but I'm all in favour of using British cultural diplomacy.'His change of heart comes despite backing an unsuccessful Private Member's Bill to transfer the Parthenon sculptures to Greece in 2002. He wrote on social media more than 20 years later: 'Send them back, no strings attached. Let's use culture to change how Britain is seen around the world.' The Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, at the British Museum in London in January 2023 Andy Burnham has backtracked on supporting the Elgin Marbles being handed back to GreeceHis crowning as PM prompted the Greek paper Ta Nea to ask whether Mr Burnham would be 'Greece's strongest ally yet in Downing Street'.One British Museum official told the Financial Times: 'There's a difference between what you say as an MP and when you're Prime Minister. 'It does seem that this is not a cause political capital is going to be spent on.'The British Museum said: 'Discussions with Greece about a Parthenon Partnership are ongoing. 'We believe this kind of long-term partnership would strike the right balance between sharing our greatest objects with audiences around the world, and maintaining the integrity of the incredible collection we hold at the museum.'