The UK government has confirmed that England's national museums will continue to offer universal free admission, ending a debate over whether overseas visitors should be charged. The proposal, floated earlier in the year amid a review of museum funding, was dropped after ministers concluded charges could deter domestic visitors and would hit institutions unevenly. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy defended the decision at Tate Liverpool on September 28, saying the museums 'must be free, forever, for everyone.' Free entry to permanent collections has been policy since 2001, and the government is also developing a long-term strategic plan for museums.