UK-EU Common Understanding Negotiations 2025-12-17

Recognises the importance of educational opportunities but criticises the cost of rejoining Erasmus+ at £570 million, questioning whether this undermines the Turing scheme. Asks where the funding will come from and if it is a fair contribution, given previous claims of a 50% discount.

Welcomed the announcement but urged for details on how Erasmus can aid young people in gaining confidence and preparing them for employment. Emphasised the negative impacts of the pandemic, austerity under previous Tory governments, and a bad Brexit deal.

Welcomed the rejoining but urged the Government to go further in building closer ties with Europe beyond the Erasmus scheme. Asked about the timeline for implementation of the food, drink and sanitary agreements.

Welcomed rejoining of Erasmus+ but emphasised that work remains to reduce trade barriers with Europe as a consequence of Brexit. Highlighted the impact on small and medium-sized businesses.

Agreed with the Minister's approach, highlighting the importance of not joining customs unions which would negate recent trade deals such as those with South Korea.

Welcomed the announcement but asked for clarity on next steps in UK's participation, including the appointment of a national agency to support Erasmus+ from 2027.

Ms Eshalomi thanked the Minister and highlighted her personal experience with Erasmus. She called for a more inclusive rollout, ensuring that apprentices, young workers, and those studying get access to these opportunities.

Ms Moran welcomed the statement but questioned the value of the agreement. She acknowledged the impact on her constituents who were worried about participation due to previous discussions. She urged for further assessments regarding economic contributions.

Ms Creasy congratulated the Minister on his diplomatic approach and highlighted the benefits of active listening in negotiations with the EU. She asked about resetting relationships between Britain and its neighbours by 2026.

Sir Lewis thanked the Minister for his work on behalf of victims of the infected blood scandal and inquired about the EU's federalist agenda, expressing doubt over the UK’s alignment with such goals.

Ms Dollimore welcomed Erasmus' return and asked for support to resume international train services from Ashford International, emphasising cross-party agreement on this issue.

Mr Gethins inquired about the financial mechanisms for Scottish universities' involvement and sought clarity regarding freedom of movement. He welcomed progress but was cautious on full reintegration.

Mr Zeichner praised the Minister's work and inquired about the SPS agreement, seeking confirmation on the elimination of export health certificates by 2027.

Dr Murrison welcomed the review after ten months but questioned the scheme's inclusivity and its impact on further education, expressing concern over demographic disparities in benefitting from Erasmus.

Welcomed the statement on rejoining Erasmus+. Emphasised the importance of a simple process for young people to access the scheme in 2026. Discussed the need to work closely with fishers, farmers, and agrifood sectors during negotiations. Noted that £570 million will be spent next year, representing a 30% discount from previous agreements. Emphasised the benefits of co-operation with European neighbours for cultural, social, and economic growth.

Welcomed Minister's presence but criticised Boris Johnson's approach to trade deals. Urged the Minister to work closely with sectors during negotiations on SPS agreement to make it as smooth as possible for fishers, farmers, and agrifood producers.

Welcomed the UK’s return to Erasmus+. Asked about steps the Government will take particularly in relation to sectors not previously involved, such as FE colleges, youth sector, adult learners, and staff in professional training.

Asked for clarification on how much taxpayers' money is being spent next year and where Members of Parliament can read about value for money.

Welcomed the statement, particularly that we will be rejoining the Erasmus+ scheme to benefit young people in Exeter. Stressed the importance of co-operation with European neighbours rather than isolation for cultural, social, and economic growth.

Acknowledged the deal as good work but urged the Minister to speak to the Government about getting a customs union with the EU. Suggested that the government should stop fumbling around the edges and deliver concrete results.

Welcomed progress on Erasmus+. Asked about the future for university staff in his constituency who are under pressure due to restructuring and what this offers at an organisational level for universities.

Criticised businesses in Northern Ireland being disadvantaged by rising costs, trade barriers because of the Windsor framework, delivery problems, and immediate cliff edge issues. Asked when the Government will stand up for Northern Ireland’s place within the Union.

Welcomed progress on Erasmus but asked about advance co-operation on foreign information, manipulation and interference, and working together to fight violent extremism including in its online dimension.

Welcomed the reinstatement of the Erasmus scheme. Asked about opportunities for rolling out a similar scheme for Swiss, Italian, and Spanish students.

Congratulated the Minister on steely resolve, pragmatism, and significant progress in achieving concrete commitments agreed with EU partners at May summit. Criticised Lib Dem Members' calls about a supposedly bespoke customs union.

Welcomed Erasmus+ agreement as closer ties with Europe are good news for futures of thousands upon thousands of young people in Wales. Asked how Wales’s priorities will be reflected in the administration of Erasmus+.

Welcomed Minister's focus on jobs, bills, and borders as part of a pragmatic and balanced reset with EU. Asked about progress towards a youth mobility scheme and role English language schools play in future economy.

Erasmus felt like a spiteful act as 73% of university-age young people voted against Brexit. The Minister should ensure that the programme benefits a wider range of students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Welcomes the re-entry to Erasmus+ but asks for a transparent assessment of economic growth benefits of a customs deal. Requests consideration for study on potential economic benefits in three years.

Welcomes Minister’s statement and enquires about Erasmus+ scheme benefits for young people in Harlow who do not go to university.

Welcomes the Erasmus agreement announcement as a Christmas present. Asks if bivalve molluscs will be included in SPS negotiations with EU.

Asks if new agency for Erasmus+ will work with the Erasmus Student Network UK to promote opportunities, especially for higher and further education institutions in Scotland.

Welcomes the Government’s return to Erasmus+. Asks for a youth mobility scheme to undo wrongs done by previous government to young people post-Brexit.

Compliments Minister on re-securing benefits but asks how to ensure a wider group of young people can benefit from the new scheme.

Welcomes announcement and agrees that all young people deserve opportunities to work and study in Europe, asking for Conservative party apology for snatching these away.

Thanks Minister for bringing back Erasmus and agrees greater co-operation is the best way forward. Criticises those with 'EU derangement syndrome' for opposing the policy.

Welcomes scheme but asks Minister to correct previous bad deal and begin negotiations on a bespoke UK-EU customs union, which could raise £25 billion.

Thanks the Minister for bringing back Erasmus and criticises Conservative party for keeping opportunities locked away from young people. Asks Minister to be ambitious in concluding youth experience scheme.

Congratulates the Minister on restoring opportunities taken by Tory Brexit, especially for deprived areas of his constituency, and encourages ambition in concluding a youth experience scheme.