A Ten-Minute Rule Bill calling for a Youth Mobility Scheme between the EU and the UK has been backed by MPs in Parliament in a symbolic move.
Liberal Democrat MP James MacCleary introduced the motion with a fiery speech calling for all young people under 30 to be given the opportunity to live and work in the European Union.
The party took a similar step last year when MPs backed a system of proportional representation in UK elections.
The youth mobility programme was first proposed by the UK Trade and Business Commission in their landmark report Trade – Trading Our Way to Prosperity in 2023.
Ahead of the Bill’s hearing, several campaigners, including Best for Britain, asked members of the public to contact their MPs and ask them to attend the hearing.
Despite the government’s indecision, opinion polls have consistently shown that a majority of the public are in favour of the UK government negotiating a reciprocal scheme with the EU.
Naomi Smith, CEO of Best for Britain said:
“A Youth Mobility Scheme is win-win, not just for young Brits but for businesses across the UK struggling with labour shortages. With our polling consistently showing that around 60% of voters back the idea and warning lights flashing on Britain’s economic dashboard, the Government should be grabbing this opportunity with both hands.”
