Parthenon marbles

Greece's prime minister has pledged to 'ramp up' efforts to secure the return of the Parthenon marbles from the British Museum, where they have been held since the early 19th century. Athens has long campaigned for the sculptures' reunification with the Acropolis, and the renewed pledge signals the government intends to press the case more vigorously with London.

Greece has handed back to Bulgaria the remains of medieval Tsar Samuel, centuries after they were taken, in a gesture of cultural restitution between the two neighbours. Greek officials used the occasion to argue that Britain should follow the same principle and return the Parthenon marbles held by the British Museum. The move is being read as a pointed signal in Greece's long-running campaign for the sculptures' return.

Commentators are asking why the Bayeux Tapestry can be returned to Britain while the Parthenon Marbles remain in the British Museum. The question follows renewed momentum on the tapestry's planned loan to the UK, prompting renewed debate over whether Greece should similarly recover the sculptures taken by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.

Greece has handed back a set of priceless ancient relics, using the occasion to suggest Britain should do the same with the Parthenon marbles held by the British Museum. The move is being read as a renewed diplomatic push in Athens' long-running campaign for the sculptures' return, framing repatriation as a standard Greece itself is willing to meet.