British members of parliament (MPs) have called for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece during culture questions in the British Parliament on October16.

In particular, Liberal Democrat Andrew George said "parading stolen booty in the otherwise excellent British Museum" brings "shame on this country," as he raised the matter during culture questions on October 15. Culture Minister Helen Grant told MPs UNESCO was ready to facilitate mediation, and that the government would consider the proposal "and respond in due course adding though that the sculptures are "legally owned" by the British Museum, which "provides access to all, free of charge."

However, Labour backbencher Jeremy Corbyn argued that the items were "stolen" from the people of Greece, adding that there are "very strong feelings" about the matter in Greece, and suggested relations with the country could be improved "if we constructively engage with a view to returning some, if not all, of these items."

See also BBC Democracy Live House of Commons: Return Parthenon Sculptures to Greece (October 16, 2014)