European Movement

My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I are committed to holding the UK Government to account and consistently pressing them to rebuild and strengthen our vital relationship with the EU. The rise of Trump makes this even more essential.  

Many young Britons are eager to see closer ties and more freedom of movement between European nations. That’s why we’re calling for fresh negotiations with the European Economic Area (EEA) to extend the Youth Mobility Scheme on a reciprocal basis with EU countries. Our proposals include raising the age limit from 25 to 30, scrapping visa fees, and extending the visa duration from two to three years. Our pressure is beginning to pay off.  

We’re also focused on expanding opportunities for young people to study, teach, and volunteer abroad. To make this happen, we will be working closely with youth organisations, schools, colleges, universities, and partners from across the public, private, and voluntary sectors to ensure that by 2027 at the latest, we see a reciprocal Youth Mobility Scheme, passport and visa-free school trips, and the full return of the UK to Erasmus+ as an associated country. 

We, of course, are also committed to tackling excessive roaming charges, which cause frustration for so many of us. We’ll be pressing the EU to address roaming charges, as outlined in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and pushing for a consultation on UK phone companies’ roaming charges, including exploring the possibility of scrapping them entirely. 

If we were in power, we would open talks with the EU to secure a reciprocal exemption from electronic travel authorisation schemes, helping to eliminate additional costs and reduce border delays for our exporters and those holidaying in the EU, all while maintaining the highest standards of border security and data protection. 

The Liberal Democrats stand firmly in support of stronger EU-UK relations, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure the Government listens to the people and acts in their best interests.