Jim Shannon
Main Page: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)Department Debates - View all Jim Shannon's debates with the Cabinet Office
Youth Mobility Scheme: EU
Jim Shannon Excerpts(2 days, 6 hours ago)
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Sarah Olney
I will give way first to my hon. Friend and then to the hon. Gentleman.
Jim Shannon
The hon. Lady is a thoughtful MP and is always trying to find the ways forward, and I welcome that—it is all about solutions. While I believe in neighbourly friendly relations and affording young people opportunity, does she not agree with the concerns that I and MPs in Northern Ireland have about the EU continuing to hold Northern Ireland to ransom by our packages and business deliveries? We must see resolution to that if we are to find a positive way forward, and consideration can then be given to any further changes to the youth mobility scheme. I understand the logic of that, so let us support it.
Sarah Olney
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his very nice words. I totally understand the issues around the specific circumstances in Northern Ireland; all I would say is that instituting a youth mobility scheme would go a long way to improving relations with the EU, and I think it would unlock some of the other issues we are experiencing.
We already have youth mobility schemes in place with 13 countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada, so why not with EU countries? It would once again allow young people across the UK to be able to spend time with our nearest neighbours without having to navigate Brexit red tape. A youth mobility scheme with the EU would open up opportunities for British young people to learn new skills, languages and cultures and bring all that back with them to benefit our economy and our society.