Pressure mounts on Sir Keir Starmer to secure youth mobility deal with EU

In recent months, Sir Keir Starmer has faced increasing pressure regarding a proposal for a youth mobility scheme that would allow young Britons to live and work in Europe. Ignacio Garcia Bercero, the former chief negotiator for the EU, emphasized the importance of this scheme in a policy brief that outlines potential future EU-UK relations. This push comes as part of a broader post-Brexit reset outlined by the Prime Minister, aiming to enhance ties with Brussels after years of tension under Conservative leadership. Stella Creasy, chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, supported the scheme, highlighting its importance for British workers, students, and businesses, by referencing existing agreements between the UK and countries such as Japan and Australia that allow for similar mobility. The urgency of these discussions has been echoed by other political figures, who believe that negotiations for a youth mobility scheme are critical to avoiding stagnation in future talks regarding trade. Additionally, Garcia Bercero noted that while the youth mobility scheme does not constitute a trade agreement, failure to engage on this issue could jeopardize broader negotiations on trade matters. As talks are anticipated in the first half of 2025 regarding the renewal of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), the call for flexibility and open discussions regarding youth opportunities remains paramount. However, the government has so far maintained a firm stance against reintroducing free movement, with a spokesperson stating that there are no plans for a youth mobility scheme, despite its significance to youth empowerment and cultural exchange with Europe.