Museums must reach all parts of UK, says Nandy as £1.5bn of arts funding announced

Culture secretary says national institutions will receive 600m but they must extend influence outside London

London-based museums need to ensure they reach every part of the country, according to Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, who on Wednesday announced a landmark 1.5bn funding package for the arts meant to restore national pride.

National museums including the British Museum and the National Portrait Gallery will be handed a 600m package but the culture secretary has urged them to look outside the capital to extend their sphere of influence.