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<p>My department is closely monitoring the situation at the British Museum, and engaging
directly with the Museum on this concerning issue.</p><p>The Secretary of State for
Culture, Media and Sport has spoken with the Chairman of the British Museum about
this issue on a number of occasions and has sought assurances on the immediate measures
that have been put in place to increase security at the Museum. She has also sought
assurances on the details of the scope and timetable for the independent review of
security which the Museum has instigated, led by a former trustee, Nigel Boardman,
and the Chief Constable of British Transport Police, Lucy D’Orsi. The review will
also support efforts to recover all missing collection items.</p><p>The matter is
also currently under investigation by the Economic Crime Command of the Metropolitan
Police. The British Museum is working with the police to support their investigations.</p><p>My
department and I will continue to work closely with the British Museum – and the wider
museums sector – to ensure that lessons are learned from this incident once the independent
review is complete.</p><p>Further details on this matter have been set out in the
Written Statements which the Secretary of State and I made to Parliament on 4 September
2023 (HCWS994 and HLWS979).</p>
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