Andy Burnham, who assumed office as the British prime minister on Monday, has expressed long-standing support for returning the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, a move that has generated interest in Athens. The Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Parthenon marbles, are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that were originally part of the ancient temple on the Acropolis in Athens. They have been housed in the British Museum for several decades, making their repatriation a contentious issue between Greece and the United Kingdom.

Burnham, who publicly advocated for the sculptures’ return as early as 2023, tweeted at the time, “Send them back, no strings,” signaling his straightforward support for repatriation. His appointment as prime minister has been welcomed by some in Greece, where media outlets have highlighted his previous statements on the matter. A feature published by the Greek newspaper Ta Nea on Saturday speculated whether Burnham might become a particularly strong advocate for Greece in Britain’s government.

Despite this enthusiasm, the actual prospect of the sculptures' return remains uncertain. Historically, British governments have maintained that decisions concerning the marbles fall under the British Museum's jurisdiction rather than Parliament’s authority. Negotiations between the British Museum and Greek officials, including Greece's prime minister, have reportedly stalled. While the museum has proposed loaning parts of the collection back to Greece, the Greek government has insisted on the full and permanent return of the artworks as a condition for any agreement.

Observers note that political support for the sculptures’ return can be complex and subject to change. For example, Boris Johnson, a former British prime minister, had previously advocated restitution as a student but later reversed his position during his tenure. Whether Burnham will pursue a policy favoring the sculptures' repatriation remains to be seen.

Requests for comments from the culture ministries of both Greece and the United Kingdom had not been answered at the time of reporting.