Secret discussions have taken place between George Osborne, the chair of the British Museum, and Greece's prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis over the contested sculptures.

George Osborne, chairman of the British Museum, confirmed it is looking at a deal that would see some of the sculptures returned to Athens in exchange for Greek treasures being displayed in London

Head of the British Museum, George Osborne, has said a reported deal with Greece to end a decades-long dispute over the highly contested and priceless Parthenon Marbles was "still some distance" away.

The head of the British Museum said Wednesday any deal with Greece to loan the prized Parthenon Marbles to Athens was "still some distance" away, as Greek authorities insist on their permanent return.

The head of the British Museum, George Osborne, said a reported deal with Greece to end a decades-long dispute over the highly contested and priceless Parthenon Marbles was "still some distance" away.

The future of the Elgin Marbles is in the hands of the British Museum, Downing Street has said, amid reports a deal that could see the sculptures returned to Greece is progressing. No mention was made of the ancient Parthenon sculptures as Sir Keir Starmer met his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis at No 10 on Tuesday morning.

Keir Starmer is thought to be more open to the idea of returning the Elgin Marbles than predecessor Rishi Sunak

UK officials hinted Tuesday that a deal was in the works with Greece to end a decades-long dispute over the highly contested and priceless Parthenon Marbles.A spokesman for Starmer later indicated that the UK government would not stand in the way of any agreement between Greece and the British Museum to end the centuries-old saga.

UK law prevents the British Museum from permanently returning the sculptures to Greece. Talks are reportedly underway about a long-term loan, but the government has said it will not change the law to enable their permanent removal.