British PM David Cameron Strongly Rejects Idea of "Returnism"

February 25, 2013

British Prime Minister David Cameron.

“The right answer is for the British Museum and other cultural institutions to do exactly what they do, which is to link up with other cultural institutions around the world to make sure that the things which we have and look after so well are properly shared with people around the world.”– David Cameron, British Prime Minister, February 21, 2013

This is a pretty definitive statement by the Prime Minister.  His comments specifically address the issue of the Elgin Marbles of Greece and the Koh-i-noor diamond of India.  The Elgin Marbles have been on display at the British Museum since 1816 and the Koh-i-noor diamond on display at the Tower of London as part of Queen Victoria’s royal crown.

The Elgin Marbles and Koh-i-noor diamond are at the center of repatriation arguments. They exemplify the pros and cons of “returnism.”

Sources: “Culture Minister on Parthenon Marbles Issue,” Athens News Agency, February 21, 2013;  “Cameron Rules Out Return of Parthenon Marbles,” Ekathimerini, February 21, 2013.