As the Liberal Democrats aim to rekindle the UK’s European ties, they are now urging the government to introduce a youth mobility scheme for young people within the European Union.
The move follows the party’s resurgence in July’s general election, solidifying its position as Britain’s third-largest political force.
The proposal, seen by many as a “common sense” approach, is intended to provide UK youth with the opportunity to work and travel freely across Europe.
Lib Dem leaders argue that such a scheme could dramatically enhance the prospects of young people in post-Brexit Britain, while also repairing the fractured relationship between the UK and its European neighbors.
Layla Moran, the Lib Dem’s foreign affairs spokesperson, strongly criticized the Conservative government for what she described as abandoning young people by severing ties with Europe. According to Moran, “A new agreement on youth mobility between the UK and our European neighbors is just common sense to help young people work and travel around the continent.”
Under the proposed scheme, individuals aged 18 to 35 can move freely between the UK and EU countries for up to two years. The party suggests building on similar agreements the UK already has with nations like Japan and Australia, allowing young people to work and travel abroad under flexible arrangements.
Proposal Seeks Longer Visas and School Trips
The proposal doesn’t stop at free movement. The Lib Dems are calling for an extension of the current youth visa arrangement to three years and hope to restore the UK’s participation in the Erasmus Plus program, a beloved EU student exchange initiative.
Their vision also includes reintroducing passport and visa-free school trips between the UK and the EU and addressing the costly roaming charges imposed since Brexit.
With Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer signaling a reset of relations with the EU during recent visits to major European capitals and Washington DC, pressure is mounting on the Labour Party to support the initiative.
So far, Labour has resisted committing to any free movement deals for young people, with the government maintaining its preference for bilateral agreements rather than EU-wide deals.
While Starmer has highlighted his party’s intent to improve relations with Europe, his focus has remained largely on broader political and trade relationships. In contrast, the Liberal Democrats continue to make a strong case for youth-focused policies.
Yet, Downing Street clarified that freedom of movement is not on the table. In response to the Lib Dems’ campaign, a government spokesperson remarked: “We are clear that there will be no return to freedom of movement, re-joining the single market, or the customs union.”
Despite this firm stance, the Lib Dems have doubled down on their position, emphasizing the practical benefits for both the economy and youth. “There’s simply no reason why we shouldn’t look to expand this scheme to our European neighbors,” said Moran, stressing that expanding such mobility schemes would present “amazing opportunities for generations to come.”
As the debate over the UK’s post-Brexit identity continues, the Liberal Democrats are positioning themselves as a party willing to restore closer ties with Europe, beginning with the younger generation.
READ ALSO: NDC Declares Loss of Trust in Electoral Commission
