The UK will rejoin the European Union's Erasmus+ education exchange programme in January, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced. The Government said it had secured a 30% reduction on 2027 participation fees, which it says will save taxpayers roughly £240 million. Nandy's announcement drew criticism from Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake, who said using Remembrance Sunday to make an 'EU membership pitch' was 'tone deaf and frankly shameful'.
The UK left the Erasmus+ programme in 2020 under Boris Johnson's Brexit agreement, after the then-prime minister claimed it failed to deliver value for money. It was replaced by the Turing Scheme, which has now ended following the Government's announcement of a new agreement on Erasmus+. Preparations for the UK to re-enter the programme were originally outlined as part of former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer's post-Brexit reset agreement with Brussels in 2025.
Nandy said: 'After six years away, the UK rejoining the Erasmus+ programme is a clear symbol of our ambition and intent.' She added: 'This time round, we want Erasmus+ to provide every young person, from all backgrounds and all regions, the opportunity to take part and have the enriching, life-altering experience of international exchange.'
Up to £400 million will be made available via the British Council. More than £30 million has been designated for youth initiatives, specifically targeting areas with historically lower participation levels, such as the North East, East Midlands and Yorkshire. Under the arrangements, young people can participate in short exchanges lasting several weeks, while 18-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds could be eligible for free rail travel across EU nations. Applications are due to open later this month, with the Government anticipating that over 100,000 individuals will ultimately benefit.
In addition to university study programmes, Erasmus+ will allow further education students and apprentices to undertake work placements at European firms. The programme also features exchange schemes for adult learners, school groups and sports coaches, while education staff will have access to overseas job shadowing and training opportunities.
Speaking ahead of Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph, Nandy said: 'As we remember the immense courage of those who served our country, we honour them by building the best opportunities for the next generation through closeness and collaboration with our allies.'
Responding to Nandy's statements, Hollinrake said: 'Remembrance Sunday is a day for the nation to stand together in silence and honour those who gave everything for our country. It is not a day for a Labour minister to try to make an EU membership pitch. Our veterans did not fight for a student exchange scheme. Using their sacrifice to clear a £570 million cheque to Brussels is tone deaf and frankly shameful. Lisa Nandy should withdraw this release and apologise.'
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The UK's return to Erasmus+ marks a significant post-Brexit rapprochement with the EU, reversing a key split from the Johnson era.
- The scheme will open international exchange opportunities to thousands of young Britons, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, potentially widening access to study and work abroad.
- The political row over the timing of the announcement, coinciding with Remembrance Sunday, highlights ongoing tensions over the UK-EU relationship.
Background
The UK was a participant in the EU's Erasmus+ programme until 2020, when the Johnson government chose not to renew membership, arguing it did not deliver value for money. It launched the domestic Turing Scheme as a replacement, which has now ended. The decision to rejoin was part of the Starmer government's post-Brexit reset with Brussels, agreed in 2025.
Key Perspectives
Lisa Nandy (Culture Secretary): called the rejoining 'a clear symbol of our ambition and intent', and said the programme would provide 'the enriching, life-altering experience of international exchange' for young people from all backgrounds.
Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative Party Chairman): accused Labour of 'using Remembrance Sunday' to make 'an EU membership pitch', calling the £570 million cheque 'tone deaf and frankly shameful', and demanded a retraction and apology.
What to Watch
- Applications for the new Erasmus+ programme are due to open later this month, early uptake and demographic reach will be closely watched.
- The fee reduction of 30% from 2027 will be monitored for its effect on taxpayer savings and participation levels.
- Political fallout: whether the controversy over the timing affects public or cross-party support for the scheme.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
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- SupportedThe UK will rejoin Erasmus+ in January after a six-year absence.The Independent UK: “The UK will officially rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in January”
- SupportedCulture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the UK’s return to Erasmus+.The Independent UK: “The UK will officially rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in January, enabling students and young people to study, train or gain work experience across the European Union , Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has stated.”
- SupportedThe Government reported a 30% reduction in participation fees for 2027.The Independent UK: “The Government reported securing a 30% reduction on participation fees for 2027”
- SupportedNandy said: “After six years away, the UK rejoining the Erasmus+ programme is a clear symbol of our ambition and intent.”The Independent UK: “After six years away, the UK rejoining the Erasmus+ programme is a clear symbol of our ambition and intent.”
- SupportedNandy said Erasmus+ should give every young person the opportunity for an enriching, life-altering exchange experience.The Independent UK: “This time round, we want Erasmus+ to provide every young person, from all backgrounds and all regions, the opportunity to take part and have the enriching, life-altering experience of international exchange.”
- SupportedThe Government says the fee reduction will save taxpayers roughly £240 million.The Independent UK: “which it says will save taxpayers roughly £240 million.”
- SupportedHollinrake said Remembrance Sunday was not a day for a Labour minister to make an EU membership pitch.The Independent UK: “It is not a day for a Labour minister to try to make an EU membership pitch.”
- SupportedAhead of the Cenotaph commemorations, Nandy said: “As we remember the immense courage of those who served our country, we honour them by building the best opportunities for the next generation through closeness and collaboration with our allies.”The Independent UK: “As we remember the immense courage of those who served our country, we honour them by building the best opportunities for the next generation through closeness and collaboration with our allies.”
- SupportedHollinrake called using veterans’ sacrifice to clear a £570 million cheque to Brussels “tone deaf and frankly shameful”.The Independent UK: “Using their sacrifice to clear a £570 million cheque to Brussels is tone deaf and frankly shameful.”
- SupportedUp to £400 million will be made available via the British Council.The Independent UK: “Up to £400 million will be made available via the British Council to support schools, youth groups and sports teams.”
- SupportedMore than £30 million has been designated for youth initiatives targeting areas with historically lower participation, including the North East, East Midlands and Yorkshire.The Independent UK: “More than £30 million has been designated for youth initiatives, specifically targeting areas with historically lower participation levels, such as the North East, East Midlands and Yorkshire.”
- SupportedThe Government anticipates that over 100,000 individuals will ultimately benefit from the arrangement.The Independent UK: “with the Government anticipating that over 100,000 individuals will ultimately benefit from the arrangement.”