Petition · past parliament
Legislate to Return the Elgin Marbles to Greece
Rejected
19 signatures
What the petition asks
Parliament should legislate to amend sections 3 and 5 of the British Museum Act 1963 in order to permit and direct the return of the Elgin Marbles from the British Museum to Greece.
On the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, Parliament should reflect the UK’s long history of friendship with Greece by legislating for the return of 'The Parthenon Sculptures'/'Elgin Marbles'. Whatever the legalities of Lord Elgin’s removal of the Marbles, there can be no denying their cultural importance to the Greek nation. The Marbles' return would be a fitting gesture of the UK’s affection and respect for Greece and its people with which to mark this important anniversary.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
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Return of the Parthenon Marbles through the establishment of an independent body
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Timeline
| 12 Mar 2021 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 23 Mar 2021 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
19
Status
Rejected
Rejected
23 Mar 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.