Keir Starmer is under pressure from Eurocrats to allow young Europeans to have a “gap year” visa for the UK.
The Prime Minister has insisted that he will not reintroduce free movement with the EU but any deal that softens the Brexit deal is likely to prove controversial.
EU states are preparing to sign off proposals within weeks which they will present to Starmer’s government as part of negotiations regarding Starmer’s desire to “reset” relations with the bloc.
Pedro Serrano, the EU ambassador to the UK, told Times Radio the scheme would not give European citizens the right to live and work in Britain for a significant period.
The scheme would instead operate like a “gap year” to allow under-30s to live, work and study abroad and move freely between the UK and the EU to do so.
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Mr Serrano said: “I know that it raises questions and concerns and some people mix it up with migration-related issues or mobility-related issues, whereas it has nothing to do with any of that,” he said.
“This is about ensuring that our youth continues to get together to know each other. And if we have a mechanism that allows young British citizens to go for a gap year, for example, to any of 27 states within the European Union — to do a bit of learning and get pay… while they’re there, why not?”
He emphasised that the scheme would not mean a return to freedom of movement.
The diplomat explained: “Yes, there is the fear of migration. It’s a big topic not only in this country but in Europe, but it has nothing to do with the youth mobility scheme.”
Starmer rejected initial proposals made by the EU Commission in April which would allow work or study for up to four years.
A government source said a deal was possible. They said: “Ministers think there is a landing zone that will make it easier for young people to travel. Exactly what that looks like is going to be subject to negotiations but it is something that is being worked on.”
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