Why Is Starmer So Against An EU Youth Travel Scheme?
The Independent|November 28, 2024
The prime minister has once again been urged to agree to a limited scheme to allow young people to travel freely between the UK and the EU for the purposes of work or study, and has once again signalled his refusal to consider it.
JOHN RENTOUL
Why Is Starmer So Against An EU Youth Travel Scheme?

Ignacio Garcia Bercero, the EU’s former chief negotiator, called on Keir Starmer to agree to a deal on youth mobility and cultural exchange as part of the continuing negotiations under the framework set by the trade and cooperation agreement, which governs trade between the UK and the EU.

A government spokesperson repeated the line that the prime minister has taken consistently since before the election: “There are no plans for a youth mobility scheme and we will not return to freedom of movement.”

Stella Creasy, the Labour MP who is chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, points out that the EU’s proposals for a youth mobility scheme would place strict restrictions on participants, so “it’s very clearly not free movement”, but Starmer appears to be unmoved.

Why is the prime minister taking such a hard line on this?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView all
Stop buying clothes now!
The Independent

Stop buying clothes now!

As fashion campaigners demand 'degrowth' for an industry responsible for 10 per cent of global pollution, Helen Coffey talks to designers and activists about how, with 100 billion garments made every year, we risk shopping till we drop

time-read
9 mins  |
December 01, 2024
The inspiration at heart of Slot and Guardiola's rivalry
The Independent

The inspiration at heart of Slot and Guardiola's rivalry

Liverpool and Man City bosses set to meet for the first time

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Has Bethell's Test cricket baptism come too soon?
The Independent

Has Bethell's Test cricket baptism come too soon?

Jacob Bethell, 21, has been thrust into England side based on potential. Could the risk backfire, asks Cameron Ponsonby

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Resurgent Arsenal thrash Hammers in giddy goal fest
The Independent

Resurgent Arsenal thrash Hammers in giddy goal fest

Arsenal plundered another hatful of goals at West Ham as they climbed up to second in the Premier League with a frenetic 5-2 victory.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Defensive Lionesses cancel USA in tactical stalemate
The Independent

Defensive Lionesses cancel USA in tactical stalemate

Another night of learning for England and Sarina Wiegman, even if the only fireworks produced from the visit of Emma Hayes and the United States were those in the pre-match light show at Wembley.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Grandmother lost savings and her business after being wrongly charged with fraud
The Independent

Grandmother lost savings and her business after being wrongly charged with fraud

Krista Brown receives 'unreserved' apology after seven-year ordeal at hands of Crown Prosecution Service and HMRC

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Indian women are being 'controlled' by forest drones
The Independent

Indian women are being 'controlled' by forest drones

Researchers say wildlife cameras are used to harass them

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Rebels seize control of Aleppo in blow to Assad
The Independent

Rebels seize control of Aleppo in blow to Assad

Thousands of opposition forces took control of Syria’s second city Aleppo and its airport in a shock assault that marked their largest advance and the biggest challenge facing Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in years.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Ukraine could use a Trump peace deal to buy some time
The Independent

Ukraine could use a Trump peace deal to buy some time

After Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine, Western leaders repeated constantly that they would stand behind Kyiv \"as long as it takes\", first as Ukraine struck back, then as Russia counterattacked.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Zelensky's plan for peace a 'major concession' to Putin
The Independent

Zelensky's plan for peace a 'major concession' to Putin

UK's former ambassador to Russia praises Ukraine president

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024