Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in UK to officially rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme, Nandy says Ted Hennessey Sunday 08 November 2026 10:37 GMT Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover Leaving the Erasmus programme was a 'tough decision', says Boris Johnson in 2020 The UK will officially rejoin the EU's Erasmus+ scheme in January, enabling students, apprentices, and young people to study and work across Europe following a six-year absence.
Replacing the Turing Scheme, the initiative will be supported by up to £400 million distributed via the British Council to support schools, youth groups, and sports teams. The UK Government has secured a 30 per cent discount on participation fees for 2027, saving taxpayers an estimated £240 million, with over 100,000 people expected to benefit. The scheme will offer university study, work placements, short-term exchanges, and free European rail travel for eligible 18-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticised Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy for linking the announcement to Remembrance Sunday, calling the timing tone-deaf. In full Nandy confirms Erasmus+ scheme return as UK eyes closer ties with EU
The Independent gives a short, mostly straight account of the UK rejoining Erasmus+, and its headline attributes the announcement to Nandy. It ends its reporting on the Conservative chairman's charge that Nandy's Remembrance Sunday link was tone-deaf. It never reports that Nandy rejected that criticism, though she had already done so on air.
Gives a contested claim the last word
Minor
“calling the timing tone-deaf”
Why this matters
The Independent closes its reporting with Kevin Hollinrake's charge that Nandy's timing was tone-deaf. Nothing from Nandy follows it.
The impression it gives
A reader comes away thinking the criticism stands unanswered and that Nandy offered no defence of linking the scheme to Remembrance Sunday.
The context
Nandy rejected the criticism on Sky News that morning and said she would strongly disagree with Hollinrake. Other outlets reported her defence alongside the charge. The article also never quotes what Nandy actually said about those who served, so a reader cannot judge the charge for themselves.