Britain’s Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called for the public to discuss the benefits and costs of closer European Union ties during a Sunday television interview. Questioned about a proposed youth mobility arrangement, she urged conversations at home as well as with European counterparts, while maintaining her opposition to returning to EU membership.
Britain’s Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said on Sunday that closer relations with the European Union involved benefits and costs. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme on 8 November, she said much of what Brexit had promised remained unfulfilled. She called for the British public to be involved in discussing the choices ahead alongside conversations with European counterparts.[1], [2]
Nandy was questioned about a youth mobility arrangement that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to sign at a summit with EU leaders on 20 November. Asked whether a proposed limit of 150,000 people would be acceptable to her constituents, she referred to talks with European partners and the public. Nandy represents Wigan, a constituency that voted to leave the EU, and supported remaining during the referendum.[1]
The culture secretary indicated that she maintained her opposition to rejoining the EU. She also rejected suggestions of a split with Burnham, saying both wanted much closer relations with European neighbours. She described their shared local connections and constituency office. Burnham has asked ministers to speak with one voice on EU relations after differing cabinet statements about the future relationship.[1]
