More than 60 Labour MPs are urging Keir Starmer to approve a youth mobility deal with the EU that would allow 18 to 30 year-olds to live and work across borders for limited periods. The proposal, seen as crucial for unlocking broader trade negotiations with Brussels, comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed ongoing discussions about the scheme while ruling out any return to free movement.
The push follows a letter from Labour MPs to Europe Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds advocating for a “bespoke” time-limited visa program with participant caps, modeled after existing UK agreements with countries like Australia and Canada. While Home Secretary Yvette Cooper insists on strict limits reportedly capping entrants at 70,000 annually the EU has signaled flexibility, with one source noting quotas could ease concerns about migration spikes.
The initiative coincides with preparations for a UK-EU summit in May, where talks may also advance on reducing food export checks, aligning carbon emissions policies, and expanding defense cooperation, including UK access to the EU’s €150 billion defense fund.
With Starmer set to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the youth mobility proposal has emerged as an early test of Labour’s pledge to reset relations with Brussels while maintaining control over migration.
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