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.

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.

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.