Carmichael calls for UK-EU Youth Mobility agreement

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has joined a cross-party effort calling on the government to deliver a UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme, which would allow young people the ability to live and work across Europe. Mr Carmichael joined a cross-party letter with over 70 MPs, sent to the minister responsible for EU relations this week and led by fellow Liberal Democrat Sarah Olney, which stated that:

“Providing opportunities to young people should be at the heart of government policy and we believe that establishing a Youth Mobility Scheme would not only offer huge benefits to young people but also would have a broader range of benefits including strengthening cultural, social and economic links between the EU and the UK.”

Mr Carmichael previously backed the Liberal Democrat 2024 election manifesto, which called for such an agreement with the EU.

Mr Carmichael said:

“The Government needs to be more ambitious about rebuilding stronger ties with our European allies. It is difficult to understand why they are not yet pursuing a UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme, which would be a good first step towards better relations, boost the economy and give our young people opportunities to live and work across Europe.

“We already have such a deal with Australia, Canada, Japan and a number of other countries – to do the same with the EU is a no-brainer. 

“That need is even more pressing given that local businesses, especially in hospitality and the wider visitor economy, are crying out for young people to join them. It is in all our interest to make this happen.”