EU youth mobility not in plans, says cabinet minister

A post-Brexit youth visa scheme with the European Union is not in the government’s plans, a Cabinet Office minister has said.

- MILLIE COOKE

Nick Thomas-Symonds slapped down calls for such a move after more than 60 Labour backbenchers signed a letter calling for "a new and bespoke youth visa scheme” that would allow UK and European citizens under 30 to live and work between the two for up to two years.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Thomas-Symonds told MPs the government is pursuing a new partnership with the EU, which will make the UK “safer, more secure and more prosperous”.

The EU has pushed for a youth mobility scheme ahead of a UKEU summit planned for 19 May, while prime minister Sir Keir Starmer also met European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen yesterday.

Pressing the government on the issue of a youth visas scheme, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson Sarah Olney said: “Warm words about a reset in UK-EU relations is no longer enough. The summit taking place in London on 19 May is an opportunity for real action.

“So can the minister take this opportunity… that the summit presents to commit to bringing in a UK-EU youth mobility scheme that will boost economic growth and enhance chances for young people in our country and across the EU?”

Mr Thomas-Symonds replied: “On the issue of a youth mobility scheme, it is not part of our plans. We have always said we listen to sensible EU proposals, but we will not go back to freedom of movement.

“Where I do agree with her is about concrete proposals and concrete progress on the 19 May, and we are looking to secure that new partnership with the EU that will make our country safer, more secure and more prosperous.”