Laboυr miпister torп aρart by Sky’s Soρhy Ridge over Brexit aппoυпcemeпt – ‘frυstratiпg!’

A Labour minister came under fire from Sky’s Sophy Ridge after refusing to discuss an imminent Brexit announcement during an interview this morning. There are reports that Britain is set to rejoin the European Union’s Erasmus student exchange scheme, with the move expected to be confirmed today.

But when asked during an interview on Sky News’s Ridge and Frost programme, policing minister Sarah Jones insisted she could not “get ahead” of the announcement. The presenter put it to her that it was “so frustrating” and “a bit of a charade” that she could not discuss the topic.

Asked if the UK is rejoining Erasmus, Ms Jones said: “So I can’t get ahead of that announcement, I’m so sorry.”

Ridge replied: “Oh come on, this is so frustrating! I mean it must be annoying for you as well, it’s been briefed, it’s in all the papers.”

The minister said: “It’s not an announcement that has been confirmed.”

Ridge went on: “I’ll be honest, this goes to the heart of why… I mean what is going on with the Government comms? Why are you briefing out a story if you then can’t talk about it at 7am?”

Ms Jones said: “The announcement hasn’t been made. I’m here to talk about violence against women and girls.”

Ridge then asked: “Why do you brief it out to everybody?”

Ms Jones said: “Let me just say in terms of the context, of course, we are negotiating our way to a better outcome and better relationships with the EU, whether it’s defence or trade, and the Erasmus scheme is part of that.

“I can’t get ahead of the announcement right now, but of course, the ability for people, regardless of their income, to be able to study and learn abroad is really important.”

Ridge added: “It’s a bit of a charade, isn’t it?”

Work on the UK joining the Erasmus programme is part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s push for closer ties with Brussels.