A Greek charm offensive to persuade Britain to return the Elgin marbles to Athens and the Acropolis foundered yesterday when the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, ruled out the idea and opposition Tory MPs boycotted a House of Commons hearing for the Greek Foreign Minister to make his case.
Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs gave Mr George Papandreou a sympathetic hearing when he appeared before the culture, media and sport committee to propose a partnership deal to return the marbles to the Acropolis in time for the 2004 Olympics.
The hearing was marred by earlier comments from the Prime Minister's secretary, Mr Alastair Campbell, announcing that Britain had no intention of returning the treasures displayed in the British Museum.
Conservative MPs boycotted the hearing, with one of them, Ms Julie Kirkbride, claiming that Mr Papandreou's visit was "superfluous and unnecessary" since the committee had already been briefed by the Greek Foreign Ministry when they went to Athens to view the site.
She claimed that the committee was being used by Pasok (the Greek socialist party) to enable it to be seen fulfilling an election pledge to reopen a dialogue on the marbles. Ms Kirkbride also indicated that she would oppose any move by the select committee to suggest Greece had a moral case for their return.
"As far as I am concerned the marbles were acquired legitimately, and the committee has far more important issues to discuss. I see no reason . . . why the Conservative party which opposed their return for 18 years should change their mind."