“It would be great if people could admire the Parthenon Sculptures in their natural environment, without having to come to London to see them,” says London Mayor Sadiq Khan in an exclusive interview with “NEW Weekend”.
While repeating the statement he made last year about a deal “to share the Marbles”, the Labor stalwart now appears to be more aligned with the Greek position: citing the British Museum’s permanent return of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as an example Horniman to conclude that a deal for the Sculptures “is within reach.”
After describing Rishi Sounak’s behavior towards Kyriakos Mitsotakis as “deplorable”, the first citizen of the British capital expresses the hope that the (incoming) Labor government under Keir Starmer will work with Greece “to reach a settlement”.
At the same time, the first Muslim mayor of a western capital, who is running for a third term in the May 2 elections, asks the Greeks of London to vote for him to continue fighting for their rights, describes Brexit as “disastrous” and announces the return of Erasmus program specifically for London to restart student exchanges (and) with Greece.
Has your opinion on the return of the Parthenon Sculptures changed?
The British Museum, the British Government and the Greek Government are certainly able to reach an agreement.
I understand that there is a complexity, caused by the British Museum Act of the 1960s, which prevents them from doing that, but I think the government needs to recognize that we are now in 2024 .
But if the Conservative government is afraid of its right-wing MPs, I hope that the Labor government will work in a spirit of collegiality with the British Museum and the Greek government to reach a settlement.
Would you like to see the Sculptures housed in Athens?
The important thing is to find an arrangement that satisfies everyone. I think it is not difficult to come up with an arrangement whereby we can share these truly precious, priceless Marbles.
I love that Greeks come here to London to see these works of art, the Marbles, their history. But wouldn’t it be great if people didn’t have to come to London to see them? If he could admire them in their natural habitat?
Perhaps if Greece were to lend other treasures to London, as the Greek government suggests?
The Horniman Museum in Dalwich, London has returned some of its exhibits to African countries. Other institutions, even the British Museum itself, have lent some of their artwork. Therefore, it is possible.
It is clear that there is a will on the part of George Osborne, the chairman of the British Museum. Unfortunately, there is currently no will from the UK government. You saw the deplorable and childish behavior of our prime minister during the visit of the Greek counterpart last year.
I feel ashamed that the British Prime Minister has behaved in this way. Keir Starmer would never act like that. I hope that Starmer, the Greek government and the British Museum will come to an agreement.
Are you talking to your counterpart in Athens?
I got along very well with the previous mayor of Athens. I have not yet had the opportunity to meet the new mayor, Harry Doukas.
But I want to meet him. I know he is passionate about tackling the climate crisis and that he cares about clean air. So I’m looking forward to working with him.
Last week, you addressed an open “love letter”, as you called it, to the European residents of London, asking them to vote for you in the upcoming election. How did this idea come about?
I wanted to thank all Londoners who come from EU countries. There are hundreds of thousands of citizens of Greek origin living in London. I wanted to thank them for choosing to stick with us during the truly awful four and a half years since Brexit happened.
It was a terrible time, but they stayed here. European Londoners are well aware of what I have done to defend their rights. They know I always stand up for them.
In contrast, the Conservative mayoral candidate (s.s.: Susan Hall) is a far-right, hard Brexiteer and opposes immigration. So I am asking the Greeks and other European Londoners to give me their vote.
What will be your priorities if re-elected? What are the most pressing problems facing London?
Most importantly, we help Londoners tackle the cost of living crisis and support them in finding affordable housing.
We also need to do more to reduce their concerns about crime. For the last eight years as mayor I have been rowing against the tide of the Tory government.
It will be great this year, when a Labor government is likely to emerge, to have a mayor and government working together.
What has been the impact of Brexit on London?
Brexit has been devastating for our country and its effects on London have been particularly negative. GDP shrank by 5.5%, investment fell by 11%, trade in goods fell by 7%. There is also a shortage of staff in some sectors.
What changes do you propose to Britain’s relationship with the EU?
What the Labor government will do, in partnership with me, is to achieve closer alignment with the EU.
We are planning to introduce a new Erasmus program (note: Britain is no longer part of the EU student exchange program) which will allow London students to study in European cities. Accordingly, students from European cities, such as Athens, will be able to come to London.
Are you in favor of rejoining the EU?
I fear that for a whole generation, for at least ten years, we will not be able to think about our rejoining the EU. The referendum was quite clear as to what the British people’s views were.
What we can do is get closer ties with the EU. Even the Brexiteers have to admit that the promises they made have not been delivered.
By making better deals and securing better terms in our relationship with the EU, we will get closer.
What was your biggest achievement and biggest mistake as mayor?
I am really proud that, for the first time in the history of our city, every child attending primary school is provided with free meals.
In addition, we froze transit fares for five of my eight years as mayor. At the same time, we are building the most workers’ housing that has been built since the 1970s, while the air is cleaner thanks to my policies.
But you didn’t tell me what your mistake was…
I have not succeeded in persuading the government to understand the folly of its policies and not to punish London. He thought the way to make the country more equal was to make London poorer!
Are you confident that you will be re-elected?
I am convinced, yes. But it will be a tough match. The government did a lot to make it difficult for me to prevail. Every EU citizen in London, and of course the Greeks, have the right to vote. I hope they will vote for me.
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