Lord Jones of Cheltenham
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Immigration Rules: Au Pairs
Lord Jones of Cheltenham Excerpts(3 years ago)
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Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
As I said in answer to a previous question, there are 20,000 young people from participating countries or territories coming here to experience life in the UK. I would not say that that is a scheme that is closing down opportunities for young people.
Lord Jones of Cheltenham (LD) [V]
My Lords, when my twin daughters were very small, we engaged an au pair from Sweden who was very helpful and became a lifelong friend. During her time with us, she developed her English language skills and gave us an insight into life in Scandinavia. Do the Government really value this kind of international interaction, particularly with our friends in Europe? If they do, will they just scrap all restrictions on the employment of au pairs?
Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
Why does the noble Lord restrict this opportunity to Europe? We are opening up opportunity to the whole of the world.