Sir Keir Starmer talks to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Image: Getty)
Eurocrats are pushing Keir Starmer to let young Europeans have a “gap year” visa for the UK.
EU states are ready to sign off proposals within weeks that they will put to the Labour government.
The Prime Minister has insisted he will not reintroduce free movement but any softening of the exit deal is likely to alarm Brexiteers.
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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.
Instead it would operate more like a “gap year” that would allow under-30s to live, work and study abroad to move freely between the UK and the EU to live and work.
Brussels will make the plan a key part of any future negotiations Sir Keir wants as part of his plans to “reset” relations with the bloc.
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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 — to do a bit of learning and get pay … while they’re there, why not?”
The diplomat insisted it would not mean a return to freedom of movement. “Yes, there is the fear of migration,” he said. “It’s a big topic not only in this country but in Europe, but it has nothing to do with the youth mobility scheme.”