Sir Keir Starmer should return the Elgin Marbles to prove he is serious about a post-Brexit reset in relations with the EU, a former European Commission chief has said.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Margaritis Schinas said sending the Parthenon sculptures to Greece would end the divisions caused by Brexit and open a new era of “mutual respect and collaboration”.

The ex-Commission vice-president urged the Prime Minister to make the gesture this month so that it would coincide with the 200th anniversary year of Lord Byron’s death fighting for Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire.

“Returning the Marbles would be a powerful symbol of Britain’s commitment to strengthening ties and turning the page on recent divisions,” said Mr Schinas, who served in Ursula von der Leyen’s first European Commission, which ended on Dec 1.

He added: “It’s time to close this chapter and open a new era of mutual respect and collaboration.”