Andy Burnham and the Parthenon Marbles: A 20-Year Campaign for Restitution

A year later, he was one of six MPs who co-sponsored a Private Member’s Bill aimed at amending the British Museum Act 1963—the primary legal barrier preventing the museum’s trustees from deaccessioning items in the collection.

Burnham frequently attributes his position to the late Labour MP Eddie O’Hara, a tireless campaigner for reunification who chaired the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles (BCRPM).

During his short tenure as Culture Secretary under Gordon Brown, Greek diplomatic accounts noted that Burnham showed unusual willingness to explore creative resolutions. However, a sudden cabinet reshuffle moving him to the Health brief in June 2009 cut those initial discussions short.

Andy Burnham, March 2020: "Britain's changed position in the world, now is the time to return the Marbles. And we should do it in Eddie's memory!"

While many figures in the cultural sector favor "hybrid loans" or reciprocal artifact exchanges—such as those proposed by British Museum Chair George Osborne—Burnham’s rhetoric went a step further.

During the reopening of the Manchester Museum in February 2023, Burnham was asked directly if Osborne should give the sculptures back. His answer was unqualified: "Yes, George Osborne should give the Elgin Marbles back."

He clarified his view shortly after on social media, writing: "Send them back, no strings attached. And let's use culture to change how Britain is seen around the world."