Writing in The Times on June 09, in an article titled "Why it is time to return the Parthenon sculptures to Greece," Thangam Debbonaire and David Frost stated, "Whether we are part of the EU or not, Britain is fully part of European civilization and culture. That is why both of us believe it is time to return the Parthenon sculptures to Athens." They highlighted that talks, which began four years ago between the Greek government and the British Museum's chairman, George Osborne, have now resumed after stalling due to pre-election campaigning and a diplomatic incident.
The peers view the British Museum's upcoming £1 billion renovation, particularly the impact on the Western Range galleries where the sculptures are housed, as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for fresh thinking. They reject the argument that returning these artifacts would open floodgates for restitution claims from former colonies, asserting that "Athens was never part of a British colony" and that debates about Greek cultural assets are distinct.
Debbonaire and Frost advocate for the "Parthenon Project," a proposed cultural partnership that would facilitate a "win-win" deal. This agreement, within the framework of the British Museum Act, could secure funding for research, co-curation, and education and see other significant Greek artifacts loaned to London. They conclude that such a partnership would enhance Britain's international standing and strengthen diplomatic ties.
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