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Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Andrew George (Liberal Democrat), on Wednesday, 28 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 37 members in total.

RESTITUTION OF THE PARTHENON MARBLES

That this House welcomes the development of the New Acropolis Museum in Athens which is planned to open next year and which clearly demonstrates the capacity of the Greek authorities to receive and satisfactorily instal those marbles from the Parthenon which were, in the past, removed in previous periods, including the so-called Elgin Marbles; notes that the principles of the restitution of museum items is now well established, which include the British Museum's return of Aboriginal remains to Australia under the Human Tissue Act 2004 and a number of fragments from the Parthenon and the Acropolis to Greece from collections in Germany, Sweden and elsewhere; believes that the opening of the New Acropolis Museum will give the British Museum a golden opportunity to demonstrate its goodwill towards the project; and calls on the Government to work with the British Museum to open a dialogue with the Greek authorities to arrange for the proper restitution of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens.

Amendments

The Early day motion has received an amendment.

RESTITUTION OF THE PARTHENON MARBLES (433A1)
The Early day motion has received an amendment sponsored by Peter Luff (primary, Conservative) and tabled on Thursday, 29 November 2007. It has been signed by 2 members in total.
leave out from `year' to end and insert `but rejects calls for the relocation of the so-called Elgin Marbles; notes that such a relocation would set a dangerous and unworkable precedent, potentially leading to requests from all nations, including the UK, for the return of historic relics to their country of origin; believes such a move would damage global understanding of different cultures and severely limit academic research; and further notes that the Elgin Marbles were acquired lawfully and have been on display to the public free of charge for over 200 years and have been excellently preserved and cared for by the British Museum.'.

Secondary information

Type
Early day motion
Reference
433 
433A1 
Session
2007-08
Other sponsors
Diane Abbott
Elfyn Llwyd
Edward O'Hara
Derek Wyatt
Evan Harris
Subjects
Cultural heritage Artworks
Link
View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk