The British Museum houses an extensive array of Chinese antiquities that were taken from China during a period of imperialism. There are over 23,000 different artefacts. These historical artefacts hold immense cultural, historical, and spiritual value to the Chinese people. Each piece represents a part of their rich heritage and history, which should rightfully be accessible to them in their homeland.

The removal of these antiquities from their place of origin was often done without the consent of the people, reflecting a time when power dynamics were skewed, and practices of colonialism and imperialism were prevalent. Today, as global attitudes shift towards respecting cultural heritage and national sovereignty, it is crucial to address past wrongs by repatriating these invaluable items.

China has long called for the return of its cultural property, with various international bodies supporting the repatriation of cultural artefacts to their countries of origin. In fact, UNESCO's Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property has emphasized the importance of addressing such issues.

Returning these artefacts would not only mend historical wounds but also foster greater cultural understanding and respect between the peoples of the United Kingdom and China. It would demonstrate a commitment to ethical standards in cultural preservation and reinforce the importance of maintaining and honoring the cultural identity and history of different nations.

I urge the British Museum and relevant authorities to begin the process of returning all Chinese antiquities to their rightful home. This act of goodwill would set a significant precedent for other institutions worldwide and contribute towards healing and reconciliation on a global scale. Please join me in signing this petition to show your support for cultural justice and historical accountability.

If you are a UK citizen, please sign my government petition. It needs an initial 5 signatures before being sent off for review. After review, it goes live. Please sign on the following link:

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/757296/sponsors/new?token=GZrPaiiJzaPAAQZyWri3