The head of the British Museum, George Osborne, said Wednesday a reported deal with Greece to end a decades-long dispute over the highly contested and priceless Parthenon Marbles was "still some distance" away.

Keir Starmer is thought to be more open to the idea of returning the Elgin Marbles than predecessor Rishi Sunak

UK officials hinted Tuesday that a deal was in the works with Greece to end a decades-long dispute over the highly contested and priceless Parthenon Marbles.

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.

The British and Greek prime ministers held talks Tuesday focused on illegal migration and supporting Ukraine but with a long-running dispute over the Parthenon Marbles ancient art work looming over the meeting.