Sir Keir Starmer ruled out discussing a return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece in his meeting with his Greek counterpart on Tuesday despite claims from Athens that progress had been made on the issue.

The row could be raised by the Greek prime minister when he meets Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday.

What are the Elgin Marbles and could they be returned to Greece? - Could the priceless antiquities finally be returned to Athens or will the UK keep hold of them?

According to official sources cited by The Guardian, discussions between Greece's Foreign Ministry and the chairman of the British Museum, George Osborne, are nearing a potential deal to return the sculptures to Athens. "The mood music has completely changed," said one source close to the negotiations.

Will the new Labour government help Greece secure the return of the Parthenon marbles, held at the British Museum since 1816?

Sir Keir Starmer will refuse to budge on the Elgin Marbles row when the Greek Prime Minister visits London tomorrow. The Prime Minister is set to tell his counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis that the dispute over the historic treasures is not a matter for him.

Sir Keir Starmer met the Greek PM for talks at Downing Street - but it was not clear if the issue was discussed.

Talks over the Elgin Marbles being returned to Athens from the British Museum are said to be “well advanced” ahead of the Greek prime minister’s visit.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis at 10 Downing Street as talks over the potential return of the Elgin Marbles to Athens continue.