Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has reportedly discussed the possibility of a youth mobility scheme with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The proposal was put forward during a private meeting at the European Political Community summit earlier this month. While Starmer did not reject the idea outright, he told Sánchez that he would consider it.
Calls for a youth mobility scheme allowing young people to live, study, or work in the EU for a limited period have been growing in recent years. In April, Chancellor Rishi Sunak rejected an offer from the European Commission that would have allowed free movement for those aged 18 to 30 for up to four years.
While Labour had previously stated it had no plans for such a scheme, the party’s manifesto from the recent election indicated a willingness to improve the UK’s relationship with the EU within certain boundaries. The UK already has youth mobility schemes in place with 13 non-EU countries, requiring applicants to obtain a visa, show proof of financial support, and pay a health surcharge.
Despite Sánchez’s proposal, a government spokesperson clarified that the UK is not considering a youth mobility scheme as it does not plan to rejoin the single market, customs union, or reintroduce freedom of movement. In response to the economic and cultural damage caused by Brexit, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for a deal that would allow young people to move freely between the UK and EU. Ultimately, discussions around a potential youth mobility scheme with Spain highlight ongoing debates and negotiations post-Brexit.
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