By Salma El-Sakka
Three-quarters of the British public support a youth mobility scheme with the European Union, according to a major YouGov poll that will boost Andy Burnham. The survey found backing across the political spectrum, including among supporters of Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
Cross-party support
The poll shows 75 per cent in favour of the idea. Support reaches 93 per cent among Labour voters, 92 per cent among Liberal Democrat and Green supporters, and 73 per cent among Conservatives. Even Reform UK voters are more in favour than opposed, by 49 to 36 per cent, while 59 per cent of those who voted Leave in 2016 also back such a scheme.
Economic impact
Charles Owen, managing director of Seasonal Businesses in Travel, said the figures show the public "has made up its mind" and the issue is "no longer a debate in the country – only in Westminster." He noted the UK already has similar arrangements with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and India, calling the EU "the glaring gap."
Owen warned the lack of a deal hurts young people. The share of jobs such as chefs, bar staff, chalet hosts and holiday reps held by young people has fallen from 62 per cent to 42 per cent since 2017. With almost a million young people not in education, employment or training, he argued the UK should be opening doors to work.
A UK-EU summit later this month could clinch a deal on youth mobility alongside other issues such as food and drink checks as part of the Labour government's plans for a "reset" with the bloc.
