House of Commons · Westminster Hall
29 January 2025 · 8 other contributors · 4,656 words
Opened by Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Responding minister: Nick Thomas-Symonds
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sarah Olney raised concerns about youth mobility scheme: eu in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Liberal Democrats propose a youth mobility scheme that would allow young people aged 18 to 30 to live, work, and study in participating countries for a set period without reverting to freedom of movement. The scheme aims to provide opportunities for British young people while improving relations with the EU.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Government's approach to relations with the EU has resulted in sectors such as hospitality struggling from lack of staff, with exports by small businesses dropping by 30% and 20,000 firms ceasing all exports to the EU. The UK faces acute labour shortages in crucial areas like hospitality, arts, entertainment, and retail.
Cited economic benefits of youth mobility visa holders and urged for the swift introduction of such a scheme for young people's freedoms and UK growth.
Noted that while the Government seek closer relations with the EU, practical steps like a youth mobility scheme are currently off-limits due to negotiation strategy constraints.
Sectors such as hospitality in South Devon are struggling from staff shortages, and a youth mobility scheme would help boost productivity by bringing enthusiastic European youngsters to the UK. Asked about the Government's response to suggestions from the European Union for increasing trade with a pan-European Mediterranean customs agreement.
Emphasises the importance of ensuring funding is available so that people from disadvantaged backgrounds can take advantage of any youth mobility scheme, drawing on the positive aspects of the Erasmus programme. Challenged the minister on concrete progress from meetings, questioning if outcomes match efforts.
While supporting neighbourly relations and opportunities for young people, concerns about Northern Ireland's specific circumstances should be addressed before considering further changes to youth mobility schemes.
Questions the adequacy of a previous deal that limited British workers' access under the scheme, advocating for renegotiation to ensure better outcomes for British workers. Asked for clarity on the Minister's perspective regarding youth mobility and British interests within Europe.
Defended the government's approach to EU relations, highlighting cooperation and pragmatism in resolving issues such as dental amalgam regulations. Stressed the importance of constructive relationships with European allies, highlighting mutual benefits in SPS agreements, cultural exchanges, and professional qualifications recognition.
Emphasised the importance of apprenticeships alongside a youth mobility scheme, highlighting concerns about elitism in such schemes.
Government Response
Nick Thomas-SymondsThe Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
Acknowledged the need for closer relations with the EU but advised caution on premature negotiations, highlighting progress made in bilateral discussions while stressing that deeper cooperation remains a priority. Emphasised progress in EU-UK relations through foreign policy dialogues, increased NCA presence at Europol, and efforts to reduce trade barriers. Defended the government's approach to suggestions from the EU within their manifesto commitments. Emphasised the Government's prioritisation of deepening trade links with the EU, asserting mutual benefits. Discussed SPS agreements and professional qualifications recognition. Noted reinvestment in the Turing scheme and maintained a constructive stance while upholding national interests.