Sir Keir dismissed proposals for a EU youth mobility scheme (Image: Getty)
Keir Starmer has said he has “no plans” to join a new youth mobility scheme with the , in a blow to Brussels.
The Prime Minister said yesterday that while he won’t get ahead of forthcoming negotiations in Brussels next week, he dismissed the bloc’s offer to increase freedom of movement.
He told journalists: “We’ve no plans for a youth mobility scheme but we are heading out [to Brussels] for an important meeting this week – I don’t want to get ahead of any important discussion we’ll have but it is an important meeting this week which will go ahead”
Last week it was reported that the EU is hoping to offer the Government a new chance to join the scheme, after it was repeatedly rejected by the previous Conservative government.
President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal for a “gap year” visa has already been discussed by EU member states and will be presented to the next working group.
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Sir Keir was pressed on his new deal while in New York (Image: Getty)
Any softening by Sir Keir’s government towards the proposal would have set off alarm bells among Brexiteers, who mistrust the former Remainer-in-chief and believe he may secretly want to reintroduce freedom of movement.
However Sir Keir’s apparent rejection of the scheme may impact what he can get out of Brussels as part of his wider reset of relations.
EU officials have warned that by not signing up to the scheme it could dent Sir Keir’s hope for a new pact on defence and agriculture.
Last week European diplomats told the Guardian that they are “dismayed” that the Prime Minister has not already given into the EU on the youth visa.
One said: “The red lines are almost like Theresa May’s, it is difficult to see what has changed.”
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The proposal would allow young Brits to travel, live and work more easily on the continent (Image: Getty)
Another said of Sir Keir’s renegotiation hopes “There is absolutely room for improvement in the relationship but the biggest pain has been removed and the UK is not top of the agenda.”
“If wants us to come to the table, don’t expect us to drop everything to have that conversation.”
Yesterday Sir Keir also failed to specify any benefits ordinary Brits may hope to expect as a result of his planned closer relationship with Brussels.
Asked whether the EU reset could bring down the cost of phone roaming charges, or allow Brits to use e-gates when travelling to the continent, Sir Keir argued “it’s far too early to get into any specifics”.
He added: “But look, can we do more on defensive security together? Yes, I think we can.”
“Can we do more on border security? Yes I think we can. That needs to be done and can be done in closer relationship with the EU in addition to the bilateral work that I’ve already started with France, Germany and Italy, and of course a closer trading relationship.
“I want to make it easier for businesses to trade because I think that is in the interest of the UK.”
He argued that he will not give a “running commentary” throughout the negotiations as it would be “a big mistake”.
He continued to insist that a new deal is “possible”, adding: “I’m not going to pretend it’s easy, but I think it’s possible.”