Pressure is mounting on the Labour government to give young people more opportunities to travel and work.

Two-thirds (66%) of respondents to a survey said they favour a reciprocal EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) which would give young Brits and Europeans two years to work and travel in each territory.

The poll of almost 15,000 people together with MRP analysis undertaken by YouGov on behalf of Best for Britain showed only one in five (18%) oppose the idea.

Even when asked about a four-year version option opposition remains extremely low with only a quarter (27%) against the proposal.

The MRP analysis shows that a YMS is backed by every constituency in Britain including the seat of Nigel Farage, Clacton, where more than twice as many people are in favour of a YMS (57%) compared with those against (25%).

Since it was first proposed by the cross-party UK Trade and Business Commission in May 2023, a YMS has been a central feature in discussions around improving the Brexit deal with the EU Commission expressing support for the idea last year. The issue has become more urgent as the UK Government seeks to deliver economic growth while facing new potential trade tariffs from the US. 

John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, and Kate Forbes, his deputy, have demanded greater flexibility in the ability of workers to travel and work. There are specific calls for student and rural worker visas to help tackle skills shortages, as well as schemes to enable Scots to work in the EU.

Agreeing to enter into negotiations on a YMS is a key EU policy priority and the UK currently has 13 such schemes with other nations around the world which include a cap on the annual number of visas granted. 

Best for Britain says a YMS falls within the Government’s red lines for the review of the Brexit deal scheduled for next year as it does not constitute a return to Freedom of Movement. Last week it was reported the Government is considering an offer of a YMS as part of the Prime Minister’s relationship reset with the EU.

Cal Roscow, Director of Campaigns at Best for Britain, said: “This is the clearest evidence yet that a EU-UK Youth Mobility scheme is among the least controversial issues in the Government’s relationship reset with the EU, even in places that elected a Reform UK member of parliament.

“Voters and business owners are united on this matter. Youth Mobility is good for young people, good for the economy and good for Britain”

Andrew Lewin MP, who chairs the cross-party UK Trade and Business Commission, said: “This is the first government in 15 years with a commitment to securing a closer and stronger relationship with the EU and it is very encouraging that a reciprocal Youth Mobility scheme may be on the table. 

“Now is the moment to be ambitious and pursue a deal that can extend opportunities for young people and help the government achieve it’s central objective of growing the economy.”