The UK government has signalled a shift in its stance on a potential youth mobility deal with the European Union, no longer ruling out the idea ahead of a pivotal summit aimed at resetting post-Brexit relations.
While Labour ministers have previously insisted there were “no plans” to introduce such a scheme, which would ease access for young people to live, work, and study abroad, Downing Street on Thursday declined to repeat its earlier opposition. Officials instead refused to provide a “running commentary” on ongoing negotiations.
The development comes as more than 60 Labour MPs have written to EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, urging the government to establish a “new and bespoke youth visa scheme for UK and EU citizens under 30.” The group argues that a mutual agreement on time-limited visas, possibly subject to caps, would open “cultural, educational, and economic opportunities” for British and European youth.
The proposal has emerged as a key demand from Brussels as the UK and EU prepare for the “reset” summit in London on May 19. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is expected to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of the gathering, which will focus on closer economic, security, and defence cooperation.
The EU first floated the idea of a bloc-wide youth mobility deal last year, in response to UK overtures for bilateral agreements with individual member states. The Commission warned at the time that such a piecemeal approach risked unfair treatment of EU citizens.
Under the original EU proposal, individuals aged 18 to 30 could apply for visas lasting up to four years, with full rights to work, study, train, or volunteer, and without the need to pay the UK’s NHS surcharge. It also suggested equal tuition fee treatment for EU students, who have paid international rates since Brexit.
Germany’s ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, speaking at a conference this week, backed a youth mobility deal as part of a wider “package” agreement. He noted that EU citizens have faced “very high thresholds” when seeking work visas in the UK since Brexit and expressed hope for progress in negotiations.
Currently, the UK offers youth mobility visas to 12 non-EU countries, including Japan, Australia, and Canada. These schemes are capped annually and require applicants to meet financial and healthcare-related requirements.
Reports suggest the Home Office is pressing for any EU deal to include a strict cap on visa numbers, a stance that may clash with the Commission’s broader ambitions. EU sources have floated renaming the proposal a “youth experience” scheme, in a bid to distinguish it from migration policy.
Mr Berger emphasised that such a deal would not revive freedom of movement. “This has nothing to do with migration,” he said. “Participants will return home once their visa ends.”
The debate marks a significant moment in the UK-EU relationship, with both sides exploring pragmatic ways to rebuild ties while respecting the post-Brexit settlement.
