🌉 Youth Mobility Scheme (EU Countries)

Commons Chamber

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

James MacCleary, a Liberal Democrat MP, introduced a Bill to extend the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme to EU countries, aiming to reverse the restrictions imposed by Brexit. The proposed scheme would allow young Brits like Alex, who was forced to abandon his dream of working in Germany, to live, work, and study in the EU for up to two years. MacCleary criticized the government for neglecting youth opportunities and failing to address labor shortages that could be alleviated by such a scheme. The Bill, supported by various parties, passed its first reading and is set for a second reading in July 2025.

Summary

  • Proposed Bill by James MacCleary: A Liberal Democrat MP introduced a Bill in the UK Parliament to extend the Youth Mobility Scheme to EU countries. It would allow young people from the UK and EU to live, work, and study in each other’s countries for a set period, on a reciprocal basis.

  • Context of Brexit: The Bill is a response to the limitations placed on young people’s mobility post-Brexit. The MP highlighted that while young Britons can participate in similar schemes with countries like Japan and Australia, opportunities in nearby EU countries have become restricted.

  • Economic and Social Benefits: The proposed scheme aims to help young people gain new skills, languages, and cultural experiences, which could benefit the UK economy upon their return. It also aims to address labor shortages in sectors like hospitality, which have been exacerbated since Brexit.

  • Government’s Stance Criticised: The MP criticized the current government for not exploring such EU schemes, arguing that it contradicts their mission to drive economic growth. He pointed out that the government has mischaracterised the scheme as a return to freedom of movement, which it is not.

  • Impact on Young People and Businesses: Personal stories, such as that of Alex from Taunton, were used to illustrate how the lack of such schemes affects young individuals’ opportunities. The tourism sector was also mentioned as being severely impacted, with significant drops in UK nationals working in European tourism.

  • Support and Next Steps: The Bill received support from multiple parties including the Greens, SNP, Plaid Cymru, and the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland. The Bill has passed its First Reading and is scheduled for a Second Reading on 25 July 2025.

  • Call to Action: The MP urged the government to reconsider its position and support the Bill to help rebuild trust with the EU, enhance UK-EU relations, and support young people and businesses in the UK.

Divisiveness

The transcript shows a parliamentary session where James MacCleary (Lewes) (LD) moves a motion for a Bill to extend the Youth Mobility Scheme to EU countries. Throughout the session, there is no recorded opposition or disagreement from any other member of the House. The Bill is presented and agreed upon without any debate or dissenting opinions mentioned in the transcript. The motion is supported across party lines, as evidenced by the list of sponsors from various parties including the Green party, SNP, Plaid Cymru, and the Alliance party of Northern Ireland. The lack of any recorded disagreement or opposition during the session justifies the lowest rating of 1 for disagreement.