Keir Starmer’s lead negotiator on Europe has expressed enthusiasm for a potential EU youth mobility scheme, signalling a broader shift in the government’s approach toward closer ties with the bloc.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Cabinet Office minister responsible for negotiating Britain’s relationship with the EU, said on Wednesday that he looks forward to reaching a deal allowing young people to travel and work more freely across Europe. This marks a change from just a few months ago, when the government was hesitant even to confirm its willingness to negotiate such a scheme.
Speaking at an event, Thomas-Symonds also pledged to secure a new agricultural export agreement by early 2027, as ministers increasingly voice their desire to strengthen relations with Brussels.
“I’m very excited about the youth mobility scheme, which offers great opportunities for Brits to experience different cultures abroad. It’s going to be fantastic,” he said. “I would urge MPs from all parties to highlight the benefits this will bring for young people in Britain.”
Thomas-Symonds has been leading negotiations for Starmer’s reset of EU relations, which earlier this year resulted in an agreement to begin talks on both an agricultural deal and the youth mobility scheme. He aims to finalise the export agreement within the next 18 months.
In the negotiations, UK officials will seek exemptions from certain EU rules, such as restrictions on genetically modified crops. France, in particular, is expected to press Britain to drop its pre-election pledge to ban foie gras imports.
Thomas-Symonds acknowledged that the UK would request some carve-outs from European regulations but emphasised that Britain intends to “dynamically align” with the EU, meaning its rules would adapt to match European standards over time. While dynamic alignment has long been criticised by Brexit supporters as ceding control to Brussels, Thomas-Symonds defended the approach, stating, “We choose to align with high common standards because it serves our national economic interest and benefits businesses across the country.”
His positive remarks on the youth mobility scheme contrast with recent ministerial reluctance to discuss such initiatives, partly due to concerns about reigniting debates over free movement. The shift reflects growing confidence within Labour that it can make the case for stronger European ties, even as the party grapples with how to counter Nigel Farage’s messaging on immigration.
“Nigel Farage refuses to engage with the EU because he wants Britain to fail,” Thomas-Symonds said. When asked about Farage’s recent comment describing asylum seekers as an “invasion” of Britain, the minister responded, “We all use our own language. I wouldn’t use his.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about this topic designed to be clear and helpful for a range of readers
General Beginner Questions
1 What is the youth mobility scheme being discussed
Its a proposed agreement that would make it easier for young people from the UK and EU countries to live work study and travel in each others territories for a set period typically 14 years
2 Who is Starmers EU negotiator
This refers to a key figure likely a senior shadow minister or appointed official who would lead negotiations with the European Union if the Labour Party led by Keir Starmer wins the next general election
3 Why is this news now
Its news because a senior figure in the likely next UK government has publicly expressed strong support for negotiating a new deal with the EU marking a significant shift from the current governments approach
4 Whats the main benefit of such a scheme
The main benefit is restoring opportunities for young people that were lost after Brexit allowing them to easily gain international experience work abroad and build cultural ties without the complex visa requirements currently in place
Advanced Detailed Questions
5 How would this be different from the preBrexit free movement
It wouldnt be the same Free movement was a permanent right for all EU citizens A youth mobility scheme is a temporary reciprocal arrangement with an age limit and likely a cap on the number of participants
6 What are the biggest challenges or objections to this scheme
The main challenges are political convincing the public its not Brexit in reverse negotiating with 27 EU member states who may have different priorities and addressing concerns about immigration levels and competition for jobs
7 Could this be a first step towards rejoining the EU
Not necessarily Its being framed as a practical standalone agreement to fix a specific problem caused by Brexit similar to deals the UK has with other countries like Australia and New Zealand rather than a move towards full reintegration
8 Which EU countries are most likely to support this
Countries with historically high numbers of young people coming to the UK and those that value cultural exchange are likely to be the
