A major new survey shows two thirds of people are in favour of the UK arranging a new Youth Mobility Scheme with the EU.
The megapoll of almost 15,000 people and MRP analysis undertaken by YouGov on behalf of Best for Britain shows that an overwhelming majority across Britain want the UK Government to work with the EU to increase the ability of young people to travel and work.
Two thirds (66%) of respondents said they are in favour of a reciprocal EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) which would give young Brits two years in the EU and young Europeans two years in the UK to work and travel, compared to only one in five (18%) who are opposed to the idea. Even when asked about a four year version of the scheme opposition remains extremely low with only a quarter (27%) against the proposal.
The MRP analysis of the megapoll shows that a YMS is backed by every single constituency in Britain including the seat of Nigel Farage, Clacton, where more than twice as many people are in favour of a YMS (57%) compared to those against it (25%). The same is true in the most tightly fought constituency in last year's election Hendon (67%vs 16%) and in totemic Red Wall seats like Bishop Auckland (63%vs19%) and Ashfield (59%vs22%) which is also held by Reform UK.
Since it was first proposed by the crossparty UK Trade and Business Commission in May 2023, a YMS has been a central feature in discussions around improving the Brexit deal with the EU Commission expressing support for the idea last year. The issue has increased in salience as the UK Government seeks to deliver on their pledge of economic growth while facing new trade tariffs from the US.
Agreeing to enter into negotiations on a YMS as part of a common sense deal - a key EU policy priority - would increase scope to remove Brexit trade barriers in negotiations with the EU, which could cut costs for consumers and boost UK GDP by up to 2.2% according to a landmark new research by Frontier Economics published earlier this month.
The UK currently has 13 such schemes with other nations around the world which include a cap on the annual number of visas granted. A YMS falls within the Government’s red lines for the review of the Brexit deal scheduled for next year as it does not constitute a return to Freedom of Movement. Last week it was reported the Government is considering an offer of a YMS as part of the Prime Minister’s relationship reset with the EU.
Cal Roscow, Director of Campaigns at Best for Britain, said,
“This is the clearest evidence yet that a EU-UK Youth Mobility scheme is among the least controversial issues in the Government’s relationship reset with the EU, even in places that elected a Reform UK member of parliament.
“Voters and business owners are united on this matter. Youth Mobility is good for young people, good for the economy and good for Britain”
Andrew Lewin MP, Chair of the crossparty UK Trade and Business Commission said,
"This is the first government in 15 years with a commitment to securing a closer and stronger relationship with the EU and it is very encouraging that a reciprocal Youth Mobility scheme may be on the table.
"Now is the moment to be ambitious and pursue a deal that can extend opportunities for young people and help the government achieve it's central objective of growing the economy."