Labour MPs Urge Youth Visa Scheme to Improve EU Relations

Over 70 Labour MPs and peers have called on the UK government to negotiate a post-Brexit youth mobility scheme with the European Union, aiming to enable citizens under 30 from both the UK and EU to live and work in each other's countries temporarily. Supporters argue that such a scheme would foster cultural exchange, economic growth, and help address challenges arising from Brexit, while distinguishing it from a return to full freedom of movement. The proposal suggests visas should be time-limited and capped, similar to existing UK arrangements with Australia and Canada. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that discussions with the EU on youth mobility are ongoing, but reaffirmed that control over immigration and avoiding a return to freedom of movement remain government 'red lines.' Internal divisions have emerged, with some ministers favoring the scheme for its economic benefits and others expressing concern over potential impacts on migration statistics. The outcome of these negotiations and the willingness of the EU to engage will be crucial in shaping future UK-EU youth mobility.