EDM 1318: Progress in UK-EU relations

That this House welcomes the steps taken at the recent reset Summit to improve UK-EU relations and move beyond the instability and confusion of recent years; recognises the potential for cooperation in areas such as science, defence and food trade to bring tangible benefits to people and businesses across the UK; regrets, however, that no formal commitment was made to establish a capped Youth Mobility Scheme, despite an agreement in principle and repeated calls from business and civil society; further regrets the Government's continued reticence to work towards a new, bespoke UK-EU customs union or agreement on deep alignment, which independent analysis suggests would deliver billions in economic growth and reduce red tape for exporters; notes with disappointment that there remains no progress on easing post-Brexit barriers for UK touring artists and performers, whose livelihoods continue to suffer from unnecessary bureaucracy and restrictions; and urges the Government to deliver progress against each of these areas, recognising the economic value to be gained by doing so and the importance of delivering more opportunities for our young people and performing artists.