AN SNP MP has called on both the UK Government and Labour to reconsider proposals for a youth mobility scheme in the EU.
Marking Europe Day on Thursday, the SNP’s EU spokesperson – and former MEP – Alyn Smith (below) called for closer ties with Europe and said he hoped to see Scotland one day “regain our place in one of the greatest projects for peace and prosperity the world has ever seen”.
It comes as both the Conservatives and Labour have rejected proposals for a youth mobility scheme for 18-to-30-year-olds in the EU, which would give young people the right to live, study and work across the bloc.
The UK Government said it had no interest in the scheme, adding that “free movement within the EU was ended”.
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Labour also rejected the scheme, saying the party would “seek to improve the UK’s working relationship with the EU within our red lines – no return to the single market, customs union or free movement”.
Europe Day marks the anniversary of the Schuman declaration, which laid the foundations for what is now the European Union.
On May 9, 1950, French foreign minister Robert Schuman laid out his vision for a different form of political and economic cooperation across Europe, in the shadow of the Second World War.
This vision took root as the European Coal and Steel Community, eventually turning into the European Union as we know it today.
Commenting on the anniversary of Europe Day, Smith said: “Scotland did not vote for Brexit, and it would be remiss not to mention the real hurt and damage the result caused in UK-EU relations.
“Ahead of this year’s Europe Day, I hope the UK Government, and indeed Labour, will revise their blanket refusal to engage in good faith proposals on restoring mobility rights across the EU for our young people.”
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Turning to his own constituency, Smith added: “The EU has transformed the lives of millions across the world, including here in my own constituency of Stirling - where Stirling voted 67% to remain in cooperation and partnership with our closest neighbours.
“I wish everyone here in Stirling, across Scotland and indeed the EU a very happy Europe Day and hope to see Scotland regain our place in one of the greatest projects for peace and prosperity the world has ever seen.”
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