Campaigners have welcomed calls from the Chancellor for an ‘ambitious’ migration deal with the EU which included a reciprocal youth mobility scheme which would allow young people from the UK to work in the EU and vice versa.
Best for Britain has led the campaign for a reciprocal EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme since it was first proposed by the cross-party UK Trade and Business Commission in their landmark 2023 report.
A 2025 poll of almost 15,000 people and MRP analysis by YouGov commissioned by Best for Britain found two thirds of voters are in favour of a Youth Mobility Scheme with majority support in all constituencies including those that elected Reform UK MPs.
Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of Best for Britain, said:
“Ambition is what we need from our leaders, ambition to shake off the failures of the past, ambition to revitalise local communities and ambition to give young people back opportunities and irreplaceable formative experiences. Today’s announcement signals exactly that.
“For Europe, a Youth Mobility scheme is a test of good faith before advancing the areas at May’s summit which can really move the economic dial on both sides of the Channel and Irish Sea. The EU must now recognise that they have willing and enthusiastic partners in Downing Street and seize this opportunity for a historic agreement.”
Andrew Lewin MP, Chair of the UK Trade and Business Commission and who coordinated a letter of 62 Labour MPs in support of such a scheme said:
"The fact the Chancellor is seeking an ambitious youth mobility deal is good for young people, good for business and good for everyone who wants a closer UK/EU relationship.
"When 62 Labour MPs called for a youth mobility scheme with the EU earlier this year, I said this was a moment of opportunity for the government. I am glad to see the Chancellor reaffirm her support and to send a positive message to Labour voters on the eve of Party Conference in Liverpool.
"I hope the negotiations can now move forward at speed."