Written questions

British Museum: Restitution

Lords · Question HL3430 · Tabled 11 Sep 2026 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office · Official record

Answered 25 Sep 2026

Question

Asked by Lord Boateng

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any adverse impacts on the UK's international reputation by the retention of the Hoa Hakananai'a by the British Museum; and when this matter was last raised by the government of Chile.

Answer

Answered by Lord Wood of Anfield, 25 Sep 2026

The British Museum operates independently of the Government, and decisions relating to the care and management of its collections are a matter for the Museum's Trustees. Government representatives have discussed issues relating to Hoa Hakananai'a with the...