UK-EU Common Understanding Negotiations

Baroness Helic Excerpts

Thursday 18th December 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, we have agreed with the European Union to work towards the establishment of a youth experience scheme with the EU, creating new opportunities for cultural exchange with the UK and the EU. It is in both our interests to conclude the negotiations quickly and to stand up the scheme so that young UK and EU nationals can take up the opportunities as soon as possible. I cannot give those assurances that it will align with the Erasmus+ scheme as we are still negotiating one of those schemes, but I look forward to discussions with the noble Earl as soon as we have the detail of both.

[Baroness Helic (Con)]

My Lords, I welcome the introduction of this scheme. What assessment have the Government made of the extent to which the enhanced EU-UK mobility will strengthen and contribute to better collaboration in defence-related research and development? Will the Government pursue further measures to deepen such mobility, particularly alongside wider defence co-operation?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

The noble Baroness is absolutely right to raise our security and defence relationships with the European Union. We see even today why that is so important in the ongoing discussions about Ukraine. On how we ensure this is part of our wider collaboration, it is incredibly important that our young people have a shared understanding of the world with young people from across the European Union, and that they understand the threats we face, which is why there is so much to be gained from us rejoining Erasmus+. I will have to write to the noble Baroness with an update on what the specifics will look like with regard to research, but I will follow up in the new year, if she will forgive me.