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Pressure on to lose Marbles

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A new pressure group is pushing the British Museum to return the Elgin Marbles to Greece.

The group, Marbles Reunited, wants the ancient sculptures to be taken back to their original home, with the Olympic Games in Athens only months away. A poll commissioned by the organisation, which consists of British academics and broadcasters, is expected to suggest public approval for the return. But the British Museum and the Government say the marbles will not be allowed to leave Britain.

"There has been no change of heart," said a spokesman for the Department of Culture. Greek prime minister Costas Simitis has raised the matter with Tony Blair. A meeting between Culture Minister Tessa Jowell and her Greek counterpart is likely.

The marbles were removed by the seventh Earl of Elgin between 1801 and 1804 and later handed to the museum.

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