Britain must keep the Elgin Marbles, Nigel Farage says

NIGEL Farage has waded into the Elgin Marbles row saying they “absolutely” should remain in Britain. 

The priceless artefacts must not be handed over to Greece, the Reform UK boss said.

Nigel Farage on LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast show.
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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage[/caption]
Parthenon sculptures at the British Museum.
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Parthenon Marbles aka Elgin Marbles at the British Museum[/caption]
Visitors viewing the Parthenon sculptures at the British Museum.
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Visitors at the British Museum view ancient sculptures in the Parthenon Galleries[/caption]

Chairman of the British Museum George Osborne is reportedly negotiating a “reciprocal loan deal” with the Greeks.

In return Athens would ­provide the museum with revolving displays of other ancient artefacts.

Mr Farage told the Sun on Sunday: “No. If the Elgin Marbles had stayed in Greece, they wouldn’t even exist today. 

“The British Museum has been the most fantastic protector for some of the world’s treasures and should continue to be so.”

Person viewing ancient sculptures in a museum.
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Visitors at the British Museum view ancient sculptures in the Parthenon Galleries[/caption]

This week former Tory prime minister Liz Truss and historian Dr David Starkey signed a letter to Sir Keir Starmer claiming the museum is part of a “covert” and “accelerating campaign” to hand the marbles to Greece.

She said: “Those trying to undermine our national culture should be taken on, not appeased.”

Liz Truss at the Conservative Party Conference.
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Liz Truss has also intervened this week[/caption]
George Osborne speaking at a panel discussion.
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Chairman of the British Museum George Osborne is reportedly negotiating a “reciprocal loan deal” with the Greeks[/caption]

The marbles, also called the Parthenon Sculptures, were shipped to London in the early 19th Century when Lord Elgin was British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.

Greece has been demanding their return for decades. 

A law prevents treasures like the Marbles from being given away by the museum.

The British Museum in London.
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British Museum which is home to the Elgin Marbles[/caption]

And the British Government says there are no plans to change the law.

It comes after a deal was struck with France to loan the UK the Bayeux Tapestry.