Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced she is leaving the social media platform X and taking her Department with her, stating that the platform 'isn't healthy for our democracy'. The Labour MP for Wigan made the announcement on July 2, 2026, saying X 'favours abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate'.
Nandy's Statement on Leaving X
In a post on X, Ms Nandy said: 'I've decided to leave this platform and my Department will too. A platform originally designed for free speech and expression now favours abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate. It isn't healthy for our democracy or our communities and I don't want to support it.' She added that she will remain active on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Context of the Decision
This move follows the Labour Party's announcement on June 15, 2026, of plans to ban children from social media platforms, including X. The Culture Secretary has also been involved in broader media reforms, including the Government's Green paper 'Watch This Space: A Strategic Direction For UK Media', which proposes ensuring social media companies prioritise content from trusted publishers such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, STV, and S4C.
Response to Criticism
Speaking last month after the social media ban was announced, Ms Nandy denied that the reforms would push 'lefty' content. This came after Conservative MP Nigel Huddleston expressed concerns that the proposals could require platforms to boost left-leaning content. Responding to Mr Huddleston, Ms Nandy said: 'I think this really is one of the most challenging aspects of the consultation that we've put out, (is) who decides what is trustworthy news, how we decide what is trustworthy news?'
She defended the BBC, stating: 'It is still the most trustworthy source of news, not just in this country, but across the world. So I think we should be careful about not trashing the BBC, whilst you know he and I have shared serious frustrations about some of the specific issues that he suggested, and we should always demand the highest quality content. I still believe, and firmly believe, that the BBC is one of the best broadcasters in the world.'
