As part of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to restart relations with EU, the UK Government will offer European countries a youth mobility scheme in upcoming talks, The Times reports.
The reciprocal EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme would allow a set number of young Europeans, aged 18 to 30, to work and travel in the UK for up to three years. In return, young British people would be able to do the same.
However, the number of people entering the UK would be capped over fears it could impact immigration statistics. They would have to pay a healthcare surcharge and also not be entitled to social benefits.
The move has been celebrated by UK anti-Brexit campaigners, who have often lamented the loss of the Erasmus scheme for young British people (and vice-versa) after Brexit.
"If these reports are accurate, this is a very welcome and common sense move from the Government to give opportunities back to young Brits while helping businesses across the UK struggling with labour shortages," said Naomi Smith, CEO of campaign group Best for Britain.
Polling carried out by Best for Britain in 2023 and 2024 saw a strong majority of the British public back the policy.
"With our polling consistently showing that around 60% of voters back the idea, it really is a win-win for both the UK and EU," Smith said.
A reciprocal EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme was first proposed by the cross-party UK trade and Business Commission in their landmark report published in May 2023.
Up until recently, the government had opposed such a mobility scheme, despite various European government calling for one. The issue had remained a sticking point in UK-EU relations.
Earlier this month, the UK Prime Minister attended an informal European summit on defence. It was seen as the first step to a rapprochement.
Starmer has invited European leaders for another summit of this kind in London on 17 May. London is hoping for a joint political declaration outlining an agreement for a post-Brexit reset.
