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

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.