Oral Answers to Questions

Wera Hobhouse Excerpts

Thursday 5th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Josh Dean (Hertford and Stortford) (Lab)]

4. What steps he is taking to improve relations with the EU.

[Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD)]

12. What steps he is taking to improve relations with the EU.

[Jon Pearce (High Peak) (Lab)]

13. What steps he is taking to improve relations with the EU.

--- Later in debate ---

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

We have agreed that we will work towards a balanced, capped and time-limited youth experience scheme. We will also work towards Erasmus+ association on much better financial terms for the UK. The exact parameters will be subject to negotiation, but we want to move forward as quickly as possible.

[Wera Hobhouse]

I am so pleased that there is cross-party agreement in welcoming a new youth experience scheme. My young constituents in Bath are unequivocal that they want the UK to join Erasmus+ again, because that gives them the best opportunities for study, training and internships abroad. Will the Minister reassure my young constituents in Bath that joining Erasmus+ will be one of the highest priorities for the Government as they enter into further negotiations with the EU?

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

Certainly, there will be great opportunities for young people, both in the youth experience scheme and in associating with Erasmus+. I too welcome the cross-party consensus—even the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire (Mike Wood), backed the youth experience scheme in the debate a couple of weeks ago.