Lisa Nandy ‘disrespecting war heroes’ with new EU membership pitch

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy was criticised for linking Britain’s return to the Erasmus+ student exchange programme with a Remembrance Sunday tribute to the Armed Forces. Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake and veterans’ representatives said the message brought party politics into a day of remembrance and used veterans’ sacrifices to promote closer EU ties.

Nandy said those who served helped forge friendship and cooperation in Europe, and that rejoining Erasmus+ would symbolise stronger relations with EU neighbours. The UK left the programme after Brexit and is set to rejoin in 2027; her department says a 30% discount will save taxpayers about £240 million. The dispute comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham seeks closer cooperation with the EU ahead of a summit in Brussels on 20 November.