Lisa Nandy pushes back against circular Brexit debate

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has pushed back against restarting debate on whether the country should rejoin the European Union, according to reports by the Guardian and the Financial Times. Both outlets reported that Nandy warned against circular arguments about revisiting Brexit. The Guardian reported that she suggested she was not in favour of rejoining the trade bloc, but stated that the prime minister should still pursue closer economic ties. [1][2]

The Financial Times reported that Nandy questioned whether rejoining the European Union was a choice the UK actually has. She acknowledged that securing closer relations with the bloc would involve trade-offs, a point also reported by the i Paper. [2]

The comments follow criticism of Nandy over European Union policy earlier in the week. LBC reported that Nandy rejected accusations that she insulted veterans after the government announced the UK's return to the Erasmus+ scheme. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Conservative opponents accused her of using Remembrance Sunday to make an European Union pitch, a claim she strongly denied. [6][9]

Separately, Nandy addressed abuse in the media industry following the conviction of Russell Brand for rape and sexual assault, the Guardian, Sky News and The Times reported. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Nandy warned that similar offences and abuse were likely still occurring today and that institutions across public life continue to fail to protect women. [3][4][5][10]

Lisa Eva Nandy has served as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport since 2024. A member of the Labour Party, she has been the Member of Parliament for the Wigan constituency since 2010. [7]