Freddie van Mierlo MP: UK’s Return to Erasmus+ Is Welcome, But Government Must Go Further on Europe

Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame, has welcomed the announcement that the UK is set to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027, following years of campaigning by the Liberal Democrats to restore international study and exchange opportunities for young people.

The return to Erasmus+ will reopen pathways for students and young people in Henley and Thame and across the UK to study, train and gain valuable experience in Europe. While this represents an important step towards improving the UK’s relationship with the European Union, there are calls for the Government to build on this progress.

Freddie van Mierlo MP has urged ministers to commit to a comprehensive youth mobility scheme to support the next generation and to begin negotiations on a bespoke UK–EU Customs Union agreement to help unlock economic growth. He has also called on the Government to deliver on commitments made at the UK–EU Reset Summit in May.

In addition, he has pressed the Government to bring forward the implementation of the SPS agreement to 2026 to reduce costs and cut red tape for agri-food and horticulture businesses, and to publish a transparent assessment of the potential economic benefits of a UK–EU Customs Union agreement.

Commenting on this, Freddie van Mierlo MP said:

“Rejoining Erasmus+ is a welcome and long-overdue step, and one the Liberal Democrats have consistently pushed for. I know from personal experience how valuable these opportunities can be, having spent a year studying for a Master’s degree in European Studies at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, as well as living in France and working in Belgium for several years.

“I was fortunate to benefit from Erasmus before we left the EU, studying in France. I’m pleased to see a new generation of young people will now be able to learn languages, take part in cultural exchange and build their confidence in an international environment. The financial support provided by the scheme means this kind of experience is accessible to people from all kinds of backgrounds – not just the wealthiest.”

“The Government now needs to build on this progress by moving further and faster in its engagement with the European Union by supporting young people with a youth mobility scheme, as well as a customs union that backs businesses and strengthens the UK’s relationship with our nearest neighbours.”