Reform UK has called for an immediate halt to negotiations on a post-Brexit youth mobility scheme with the European Union, as significant gaps remain in talks aimed at resetting UK-EU relations. The demand comes despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer's pledge to place Britain 'at the heart of Europe' following last week's electoral setbacks.
The UK government seeks to cap the number of young EU citizens entering the country under the scheme at below 50,000, a figure that has already been rejected by Brussels. The EU instead proposes unlimited visas with an annual review and an 'emergency brake' mechanism. Sources indicate the proposed cap has been reduced from an initial 70,000 to between 40,000 and 50,000, reflecting Labour's concerns over immigration numbers.
Another sticking point is the issue of 'home' tuition fees for EU students, which the UK argues was never part of the reset roadmap. The EU, however, views reciprocal fee arrangements as a key component of the scheme. Catherine Barnard, professor of EU law at the University of Cambridge, described negotiations as 'still very tricky', with no progress reported in the past month.
The youth mobility scheme is a priority for EU capitals, allowing under-30s to travel, work, and study across jurisdictions. Ben Brindle of the Migration Observatory noted that a 50,000 cap would likely be reached quickly due to the large young EU population, unlike Australia's undersubscribed scheme. He emphasised that visa length would be crucial in determining long-term immigration impacts.
EU sources expressed frustration that other reset elements, such as the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement, primarily benefit the UK. One diplomat warned: 'There will be no summit if there is no deal.' The reset deal, originally expected by the end of this month, has slipped to late June or early July. Starmer has indicated he wants to close the gaps, stating: 'We have to be closer to Europe... no half measures.'
