• The Liberal Democrats have proposed extending the Youth Mobility Scheme to EU countries, aiming to allow 18-30-year-olds to live and work in Europe. They criticised ministers for “mischaracterising” the plan as full freedom of movement and used the 10-minute rule process—a mechanism enabling a backbench MP to pitch a new law in a brief speech—to introduce the Youth Mobility Scheme (EU Countries) Bill.
  • While a debate is scheduled for 25 July, any resulting vote would not be binding but could increase pressure on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Starmer has pledged to reset EU relations following years of strained ties under Conservative leadership, though the specifics remain undefined.
  • The Lib Dems highlight existing youth mobility agreements between the UK and countries like Australia, Canada, and South Korea, which allow a limited number of young people to work and live abroad temporarily.

Naomi Smith, CEO of Best for Britain, noted that polling consistently shows strong public support for a reciprocal mobility scheme with the EU, describing it as a “win-win” for young people and businesses struggling with labour shortages.