Liz Truss Allies Threaten Injunction to Halt Elgin Marbles Negotiations

A group of 34 public figures led by former UK prime minister Liz Truss has warned the British government and the British Museum that it may seek court injunctions to block any negotiations to return the Elgin Marbles to Greece. In a letter seen by multiple news outlets, the signatories—including historian David Starkey and Conservative MP Sir John Redwood—accuse the museum of mounting a “covert” and “accelerating” campaign to repatriate the classical sculptures. The letter, organised by the right-wing campaign group Great British PAC, was sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and the museum’s trustees. It urges a halt to all talks with Athens and says some trustees "may need to consider their position" if discussions continue. The campaigners say they reserve the right to seek legal advice and pursue an injunction to safeguard what they describe as the interests of the British public. A government spokesperson reiterated that there are no plans to amend the British Museum Act 1963, which prevents the museum from permanently removing objects from its collection. A museum representative said discussions with Greece on a long-term “Parthenon Partnership” remain “on-going and constructive,” adding that any collaboration would balance wider public access with preserving the integrity of the collection.