Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee
16th Meeting, 2025
The Committee took evidence from—
Lynda Rooke, President and Paul W Fleming,General Secretary, Equity ;
Frank Gallagher, Actor, Member of the River City Cast.
The Committee considered a draft report on the Review of the UK EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement Inquiry: Part 2. The Committee agreed to consider a further draft by email.
Paragraph 71: The first sentence was agreed by division (For: Clare Adamson MSP, George Adam MSP, Keith Brown MSP, Patrick Harvie MSP; Against: Stephen Kerr MSP, Neil Bibby MSP, Alexander Stewart MSP).
At paragraph 112, Stephen Kerr MSP proposed alternative wording as follows:
“The Committee recognises that accessing opportunities to work, study or volunteer internationally now involves new requirements for young people travelling between the UK and the EU. Evidence presented to the Committee, including from the PPA, highlighted that visa processes, associated costs, and administrative procedures can act as barriers to participation—particularly for those from less advantaged backgrounds. The Committee notes that these challenges are not unique to the UK-EU relationship and are common in third-country mobility arrangements globally. If any future reciprocal youth mobility scheme were to be considered, its effectiveness would likely depend on practical improvements to existing procedures. We also believe that such a scheme, if pursued, should include a youth work element to ensure inclusivity and open access across a broad social spectrum.” The proposal was disagreed to by division.
(For: Stephen Kerr MSP, Alexander Stewart MSP; Against: Clare Adamson MSP, George Adam MSP, Keith Brown MSP, Patrick Harvis MSP; Abstain: Neil Bibby MSP).
At paragraph 113, Stephen Kerr MSP proposed alternative wording as follows: “As discussed in earlier sections, the Committee considers that the UK Government and the EU should continue to engage on ways to support international exchange and cultural collaboration within the current Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Where feasible, further discussion of youth mobility could explore reciprocal, clearly defined arrangements that improve access for young people and allow for the easier organisation of study, work or volunteering opportunities. The Committee encourages both parties to identify solutions that support educational, professional and creative exchange while maintaining the principles of fairness, clarity, and mutual benefit.” The proposal was disagreed to by division (For: Stephen Kerr MSP, Alexander Stewart MSP; Against: Clare Adamson MSP, George Adam MSP, Keith Brown MSP, Patrick Harvie MSP; Neil Bibby MSP).
Paragraph 113: The first sentence was agreed by division (For: Clare Adamson MSP, George Adam MSP, Keith Brown MSP, Patrick Harvie MSP; Against: Stephen Kerr MSP, Neil Bibby MSP, Alexander Stewart MSP).
Paragraph 176: The first sentence was agreed by division (For: Clare Adamson MSP, George Adam MSP, Keith Brown MSP, Patrick Harvie MSP; Against: Stephen Kerr MSP, Neil Bibby MSP, Alexander Stewart MSP).