Lisa Nandy rejects claims of politicising Remembrance Sunday after Erasmus row

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has rejected accusations of politicising Remembrance Sunday after linking the event to the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union Erasmus study and work scheme, the BBC reported. Her department announced on Saturday night that the program would allow a new generation to build connections across Europe as Remembrance Sunday is marked. ITVX and Newswav also reported that Nandy responded to criticism regarding the link. [1][5][6]

The Conservative Party criticised the announcement, saying that veterans did not fight for a student exchange scheme, according to the BBC. The Telegraph and FTMQ News reported earlier that critics accused Nandy of making an EU membership pitch and hijacking the commemoration. Nandy stated that she was horrified by the Conservative response and insisted that the expanded scheme would help young Britons recognise wartime sacrifice, the BBC reported. [1][3][11]

Remembrance Sunday is held in the United Kingdom on the second Sunday in November to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian service people. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph war memorial in Whitehall, London, featuring a two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m. to mark the World War I armistice. [7][10]

The Independent confirmed that the UK is set to officially rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme as the nation seeks closer ties with the European Union. [2]