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Great Britain has to return more than 5,000 ancient artefacts to Iraq over the next few months. The announcement was by the British government during the visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister to London earlier this week. The repatriation the largest ever return of antiquities by the UK. Many of the items to to Iraq were and out of Iraq over the past century, particularly after the Iraqi wars at the beginning of the century. There a lucrative trade in stolen artefacts. Iraq's ambassador to the UK appreciative of the UK's help. He said: "We our gratitude to the British Museum staff for their efforts and cooperation with us."

Many of the artefacts that will soon on their way back to Iraq were by British archaeologists a century ago. One valuable item is a rare Sumerian plaque that back to around 2400BC. It was illegally out of Iraq and up for auction in 2019. It was discovered and by police in London. The plaque will be put on public display at the museum before its repatriation. The British Museum said it would , "to work with our Iraqi colleagues to these important collections, and in the fight against the illicit trade in antiquities". It added: "It is vital that we and protect the world's cultural heritage for future generations to and enjoy."