Chris Hastings in the Mail on Sunday, 04 December 2022 writes: 

George Osborne is in secret discussions with Greece's Prime Minister over returning the Elgin Marbles

• George Osborne, chairman of the British Museum, in talks over Elgin Marbles
• Believed he and Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed their return last month
• The marbles were removed by Lord Elgin between 1801 and 1812 from Greece

British Museum chairman George Osborne has been discussing the possible return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece with its prime minister.

The talks between the former Chancellor and Kyriakos Mitsotakis are believed to have taken place last month during the Greek leader’s visit to the UK.

The talks have led to renewed speculation that the museum could announce the return of some or all of the Elgin Marbles to Greece either as a loan or as part of a permanent repatriation.

The marbles, dating back to the 5th Century BC, were removed by Lord Elgin between 1801 and 1812.

Greece, which would place them in a museum close to the Parthenon from where they were taken, has said it will offer the British Museum antiquities never before seen outside the country.

Actress Dame Janet Suzman, who chairs the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles, said: ‘This is a very positive step forward. 

'George Osborne might be interested in a legacy and this might be a very enlightened one.’