Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signalled openness to an EU Youth Mobility Scheme, a reciprocal arrangement with the EU allowing young Britons and Europeans to live and work abroad for up to two years. However, he stressed this would not mean a return to free movement, drawing parallels with existing agreements with countries like Australia, where numbers are capped.
The government plans to announce the proposal today as part of a broader EU-UK deal, which marks the closest alignment since Brexit and covers trade, security and defence. Starmer called it a “significant moment” that could boost jobs and living standards.
Despite criticism from Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, who labelled it a “back door to free movement,” and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s warnings over uncapped migration, Starmer insisted youth mobility is distinct from freedom of movement, a “red line” for Labour.
Negotiations have seen last-minute tensions, with France pushing for fishing rights concessions and the EU seeking lower tuition fees for its students. The UK, meanwhile, wants EU to lift restrictions on musicians. Starmer vowed not to be a “pushover,” citing his firm stance on Indian visa demands and US food standards. “We negotiate toughly but respectfully,” he said, distancing his approach from the “megaphone diplomacy” of past governments.
The proposed EU Youth Mobility Scheme reflects a broader shift towards rebuilding pragmatic ties with Europe, offering young people greater opportunities while preserving immigration controls.
The deal’s success, Starmer argued, will hinge on tangible benefits for instance preserved jobs, stronger communities and economic growth. As details emerge today, the focus will be on whether this reset delivers for voters or reignites Brexit-era battles.
This proposal, while still in its early stages, could offer a new kind of partnership—one that boosts opportunities for young people without reopening old wounds. For now, it is clear the government is looking to turn a page, focusing not on the past divisions of Brexit, but on practical steps to ensure Britain’s future prosperity.
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