RETURN OF PARTHENON SCULPTURES TO ATHENS

Early day motion 425, tabled 14 January 2004 by Andrew Dismore (Labour). Signed by 101 members.

That this House recognises that the building of the New Acropolis Museum offers an unprecedented opportunity to display the major parts of the Parthenon Marbles that are currently divided between London and Athens together, in the context of the Parthenon building for which they were designed; believes that such a display would be welcomed by a majority of British people; further believes that a solution to any legal issues is possible if the transfer occurs on the basis of a long-term loan; welcomes the Greek Government's offer to ensure that exhibitions of high quality Greek material would be brought to national and regional museums in the UK once the Marbles issues has been resolved; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to work with the British Museum and the Greek authorities to this end, in the spirit of co-operation and friendship so apt for any Olympic year.

Signatures by party: Labour 63, Liberal Democrat 29, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, Conservative 1.