Watch my speech on the benefits of a youth mobility scheme with the EU

Today, as part of my role on the UK-EU Parliamentary Assembly, I spoke about the benefits of re-establishing a youth mobility scheme with our closest partners.

This is something the Liberal Democrats have been repeatedly calling for. We believe that creating such a scheme will not only benefit young people but also strengthen our cultural, social, and economic links with the EU.

Our government says it is focused on growth – and I believe establishing a mobility scheme is a key way to achieve this. Just look at hospitality: since Brexit, vacancies in the sector are up 27%, while, at the same time, the number of EU workers in hospitality has dropped by 26%.

This isn’t a return to freedom of movement by any means. But a sensible, economically sound idea, that more or less mirrors similar arrangements we have already with 12 other countries, some on the other side of the world!

It’s illogical that we don’t have one with our closest neighbours.