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Written question asked by Kim Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

British Museum: Palestine

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions her Department has had with the British Museum on public-facing signage changes referencing Palestine, Palestinian and Israelite occupation.

Answer

The British Museum is curatorially independent of the Government. Decisions on signage and object labelling are made by curatorial experts at the Museum.

DCMS officials have discussed these matters with British Museum officials to understand the Museum’s decision. We note the Museum’s public statements made in February 2026, which explain the curatorial justifications for two recent changes.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17044
Session
2026-27
Subjects
British Museum Palestine
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk