UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme

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.