When defending the British Museum’s stance on holding on to important historical artefacts that were taken from other countries, the tale of the Standard of Ur offers a huge case in support of the policy. Had Britain returned it to Iraq, it would have been lost along with so much of the country’s history when the national museum was looted. Consequently, it would have been lost to all of us. By keeping these treasures at the British Museum, their safety is ensured for the whole world.