EU Seeks 500,000 Youth Visas, Family Access in UK Talks

Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's post-Brexit reset deal, talks with the EU continue over a proposed 'youth experience scheme' that would allow young adults aged up to 30 or 35 from the EU to live, work, and study in the UK, with a reciprocal arrangement for UK youths in Europe. Downing Street has set red lines including a cap on visas, no rights to bring dependents, no access to benefits, and a requirement for migrants to pay the immigration health surcharge, although Brussels is pushing for a larger scale scheme and the inclusion of family members. The EU has suggested that if the UK models the scheme on its existing arrangement with Australia, the number of EU young people allowed could reach up to half a million, raising concerns over immigration levels in the UK. Negotiations remain unresolved on several points such as visa caps, family reunification rights, and tuition fee parity for European students studying in the UK, with EU diplomats expressing frustration at delays and fears that the UK may ultimately concede. Critics argue that Starmer's approach concedes too much to Brussels, threatening UK sovereignty and economic interests, including trade and fishing rights, with fears that Britain will remain a captive market to EU regulations despite Brexit. The youth mobility scheme and other elements of the reset deal remain contentious as both sides seek a compromise balancing immigration control with closer post-Brexit cooperation.