EU to finalise proposal for youth mobility scheme with UK in just weeks

Under plans that could be presented to Keir Starmer imminently, the European Union is seeking to strike a deal to remove barriers for youngsters on both sides of the Channel

The EU is set to finalise a proposal allowing young people in the UK under 30 to live and work on the continent within weeks.

Under plans that could be presented to Keir Starmer imminently, the bloc is seeking to strike a deal to remove some post-Brexit barriers for youngsters. It would allow both EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 to live, work and study on both sides of the Channel, for a limited period.

It was reported last month Mr Starmer had discussed the possibility of the idea with the Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez during a summit the UK hosted at Blenheim Palace. But the new Labour government has repeatedly insisted it is not considering a youth mobility scheme and has "no plans" to pursue the idea.

In April the European Commission proposed to the EU's member states to open negotiations with the UK over the idea. The Commission said at the time it would "make it easier for young EU and UK citizens to study, work and live in the UK and EU respectively".

They added: "The withdrawal of the UK from the EU has resulted in decreased mobility between the EU and the UK. This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges."

Ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rejected the idea outright but in September former Labour PM Sir Tony Blair said he would be personally in favour. It follows Mr Starmer's diplomatic blitz to European capitals including Berlin, Paris and Rome, in recent weeks in a bid to reset relations left damaged after 14 years of Tory rule.

During a meeting with the German Chancellor Olaf Sholz last month, the PM told reporters: “In relation to youth mobility, obviously, we’ve been really clear – no single market, no customs union, no free movement, no going back into the EU.

"So the discussion about a close relationship within the EU or with the EU is in that context and within those frameworks. I’m convinced that we can have a close relationship, and I think you heard from the chancellor himself, notwithstanding those clear red lines that we’ve got and we’ve always had.”