Khan: EU youth mobility scheme could save Britain from harm of Trump tariffs

Sir Sadiq Khan has urged the government to agree on a youth mobility scheme with the European Union, saying it could save Britain from the “economic storm” of Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs.

- MILLIE COOKE

Writing in The Independent, the London mayor said such an agreement – which would allow 18- to 35-year-olds to move and work freely between countries for up to two years – is “long overdue and now needs to be considered” in order to boost growth across Britain and Europe in the face of the trade taxes.

In light of Mr Trump’s tariffs, Sir Sadiq argued such a scheme is now “an economic priority, rather than a political talking point”.

“Europe is by far our biggest trading partner and our most reliable political ally. At a time when our communities can illafford to absorb another economic shock that pushes up prices, it makes sense for us to deepen our partnership”, he added.

EU officials see such a youth mobility scheme as a key aspect of closer ties with Britain, but so far, the UK government has publicly opposed it, becoming a major sticking point between the UK and EU.