His commitment to continue working on an exchange agreement that would allow the Parthenon Marbles to be exhibited in Greece “regardless of whether Rishi Sunak meets the Greek Prime Minister or not”, expressed the president of the British Museum, George Osborne on a podcast he did of Political Currency.

George Osborne, a former Conservative chancellor, said it was clear from events this week that Mr Sunak’s government would not support a swap. But he said the stance taken by opposition leader Keir Starmer – who met Kyriakos Mitsotakis in London this week – could pave the way for it to happen under a future Labor government.

He also reiterated that “we are looking with the Greek government on behalf of the museum” an arrangement where would allow the Sculptures to be exhibited in Greece. At the same time, he said that he is trying to reach an agreement where the sculptures will spend time in both London and Athens, with “Greek treasures to come to us in return”.

“And that is, I think, something worth investigating. And we can continue to do so whether or not Rishi Sunak meets the Greek Prime Minister. In fact, if anything, things have probably cleared up this week. Obviously we know that we are not going to get much support from the Conservative Government. But in fact Labor leader Keir Starmer has also said that while he supports the British Museum’s efforts, he has no plans to change the law. And if you don’t change the law, then there is no prospect of them being returned to Greece soon, returned with nothing (in return), simply handed over, which would not be a decision for the museum anyway. And, in my opinion, as president of the British Museum, this is another reason to continue our efforts, to try to reach an agreement with the Greeks.” he said characteristically.