SCULPTURES OF THE PARTHENON

Early day motion 665, tabled 21 July 2005 by Edward O'Hara (Labour). Signed by 19 members.

That this House is aware that the Parthenon sculptures currently displayed in the Elgin collection in the British Museum are integral architectural components of the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; believes that the traditional arguments for retaining the sculptures in the British Museum have now been discredited or removed and that the onus of justification is now with those who wish to keep them apart from the Parthenon rather than with those who wish to see them re-united with it; recognises that if the Parthenon cannot be brought to London it follows that the Parthenon sculptures should be returned to Athens; notes the progress on the building of the new Acropolis Museum with a gallery purpose-built to offer a single visual experience of both the Parthenon and its sculptures in the one place in the world where this is possible; and urges the Government to initiate the process whereby the Parthenon sculptures currently displayed in the British Museum may be returned to Athens in time for their display in the Acropolis Museum when it is opened.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Liberal Democrat 3, Respect 1.