EDM: UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme

UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme

Tabled by Dr Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat) 38 signatures

The motion

That this House notes with concern the slow progress in advancing negotiations with the European Union on youth mobility, educational exchange and wider people-to-people cooperation following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union; recognises the cultural, educational and economic benefits that reciprocal youth mobility arrangements provide to young people, institutions, employers and the wider economy; further notes that rising visa costs, reduced exchange opportunities, roaming charges and additional travel barriers continue to limit opportunities for young people across the United Kingdom; welcomes the UK’s association with Erasmus+ and the benefits it will bring; also notes analysis suggesting a reciprocal Youth Mobility Scheme could increase UK GDP by between 0.4 and 0.45 per cent over the next decade; believes that strengthening people-to-people ties with European partners is firmly in the national interest; therefore calls on the Government to accelerate negotiations with the European Union and pursue agreements with European Economic Area countries to establish a reciprocal Youth Mobility Scheme, including raising the upper age limit to 35, extending visa durations to three years, and reducing or abolishing fees; further calls on the Government to agree passport and visa-free school travel, work to reduce roaming charges, and engage with education providers and civil society to implement these measures by the end of 2026; and urges the Government to take forward the Youth Mobility Scheme (EU Countries) Bill to facilitate structured negotiations with EU member states on extending youth mobility opportunities.

Signatories (38)