Youth Mobility Scheme
Debate between Lord Krebs and Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent(2 days, 6 hours ago)
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Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
As someone who lives in Stoke-on-Trent, I completely appreciate where the noble Baroness is coming from. Some 61% of participants in the Turing scheme in England come from underprivileged backgrounds and disadvantaged communities. Erasmus’s current focus is also about ensuring that people who would not otherwise have those opportunities can be afforded them. This is an incredibly important part of making sure that aspiration and attainment is available to everyone—a core part of our mission for growth, and of the value system of the Labour Party.
Lord Krebs (CB)
My Lords, given the importance of scientific research and innovation to the future prosperity of this country, have the Government assessed the impact of the current restrictions on youth mobility in Europe on the progress of scientific research in this country?
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
That is a genuinely interesting question, and that is one of the reasons why our rejoining Erasmus could be so beneficial to our country. One of the issues—which is part of our conversations about the youth mobility scheme, as well as rejoining Erasmus—is the economic impact it will have, while ensuring that we have opportunities to share scientific endeavours and discoveries. It will also provide us with opportunities to ensure that our social and creative work is shared with our closest allies.
European Union: Court of Justice
Debate between Lord Krebs and Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
I will write to the noble Baroness with the details of the meeting dates, because I do not have them to hand, but I reassure noble Lords that, since this Government came to power, we have had nearly 70 ministerial-level meetings with our opposite numbers. That is in addition to the day-to-day official conversations and I know, from the conversations that I have been party to with regard to the Windsor Framework, that those conversations are regular: in fact, daily. This is all part of how we reset relations with our closest trading partner.
Lord Krebs (CB)
My Lords, could the Minister update us on the Government’s intentions with regard to sanitary and phytosanitary standards? We know that the current arrangements impose a huge burden on the food industry, which is our largest manufacturing sector. If, as she says, the Government wish to do what is best for British business and British people, surely we should align our sanitary and phytosanitary standards with the European Union.
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
The Government, as we were clear in our manifesto, are committed to pursuing an SPS agreement that could reduce trade friction and bring benefits to both the UK and the EU. The UK and the EU are like-minded partners with similarly high standards. We have been clear that an SPS agreement could boost trade and deliver benefits on both sides. I hope that reassures the noble Lord.