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Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from over 60 Labour MPs advocating for a youth mobility scheme that would permit thousands of young Europeans to reside and work in the UK. This initiative is viewed as essential for fostering a more ambitious trade relationship with the European Union.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that talks regarding such a scheme are progressing, representing a significant indication that the government is working towards an agreement.
The proposed youth mobility initiative aims to facilitate free movement for British and European citizens aged 18 to 30, and is perceived as a critical requirement by the EU for advancing economic negotiations with the UK.
Reports suggest that the EU is now amenable to establishing a quota and time limits on these visas, potentially paving the way for a consensus.
In a letter addressed to Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Minister tasked with negotiations in Brussels, 70 Labour MPs and peers have expressed their support for a time-limited, capped youth visa scheme, emphasizing the need to enhance trade cooperation beyond the government’s current objectives.
This development comes at a pivotal moment for UK-EU relations, as Starmer is scheduled to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in London before an anticipated UK-EU summit in May.
However, there are still divisions within the Cabinet regarding the potential structure of a youth visa agreement. While Reeves seems supportive of a time-limited youth visa scheme—an issue prioritized by Brussels—Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pushed for a numerical cap and a one-year duration for the visas.
Insiders indicate that the proposed cap might be around 70,000 people. A source familiar with the negotiations noted, “Yvette is focused on fulfilling the Prime Minister’s directive to reduce net migration.”
In a comment made in Washington regarding the youth mobility scheme, Reeves stated: “We aim to reduce net migration as a government and have outlined our plans to achieve this. Additionally, we want to exert control over immigration, which is a key priority for us. However, we will not revert to a system of free movement.”
An EU representative remarked, “Everyone is proceeding cautiously, but there is a willingness to remove any notion that this will increase migration. There are various potential arrangements, with quotas being one option.”
Andrew Lewin, the Labour MP for Welwyn Hatfield, has spearheaded the call for a new tailored youth visa arrangement, stating the importance of creating opportunities for British young people to work and travel in the EU, similar to agreements established with countries like Australia and Canada.
The MPs’ letter expressed a desire for a specialized youth visa scheme for individuals under 30 from both the UK and EU, affirming that it should be time-limited and capped.
Reports indicate that the UK may soon be ready to enter negotiations on three significant topics, including the youth mobility scheme, a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal aimed at easing checks on food and drink exports to the EU, particularly regarding Northern Ireland, and agreements on carbon emissions.
The SPS deal is expected to be modeled after a previous arrangement made by the EU with Switzerland in 2023, though revisions will likely be necessary. As noted by an EU source, “The Swiss model is complex and inefficient, but it could serve as a conceptual foundation.”
A defense partnership appears increasingly likely following the EU’s recent white paper on defense, which set the stage for British defense firms to access the new €150 billion EU defense fund.
UK and EU officials also anticipate announcements concerning cooperation on trafficking and intelligence sharing, signaling a firm stance against irregular migration.
Full negotiations are projected to commence by autumn, contingent on the European Commission receiving a mandate from member states.
The MPs’ initiative has reportedly garnered private approval from certain ministers, interpreted as a supportive indication of the government’s negotiation stance. Their letter also suggests that the UK should advocate for testing products domestically to mitigate costs and complexities for both UK and EU businesses.
Additionally, the letter proposes further removal of post-Brexit trade barriers through a Canada-style mutual recognition agreement (MRA), allowing goods’ conformity assessments to be conducted in the UK before export.
This idea has received strong backing from UK business groups, though the EU has historically hesitated due to concerns about offshoring testing capabilities. Nevertheless, negotiations may still be feasible for specific industries, including pharmaceuticals.
Stella Creasy, chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, articulated that the government’s goals should exceed what the letter proposes. She emphasized the necessity of addressing the trade barriers imposed by the current Brexit deal, including issues related to VAT and emissions trading that complicate energy costs.
Lewin has also voiced that Starmer should be assured of the backing and mandate for a more audacious resolution. He mentioned, “This represents an opportunity for those advocating for a closer UK-EU relationship, reflecting the trust placed in Labour by millions of voters last year.”
The letter has been endorsed by numerous MPs from the latest parliamentary intake, including some from former leave-voting constituencies, highlighting the broad support for a reevaluated relationship with the EU.
Experts, however, caution against the belief that the Labour MPs’ push will sufficiently mitigate the economic growth repercussions stemming from Brexit. One analyst warned of a looming deadline to secure favorable terms with the US prior to reaching an agreement with the EU, describing the situation as a dual challenge.
Trade specialists express skepticism that the anticipated deal will significantly boost economic growth, suggesting that while it may represent a constructive initial measure, it should ideally be part of a broader strategy to achieve further advancements within established boundaries.
Source
www.theguardian.com