Germany's Olaf Scholz hints at new migration deal with Starmer to replace free movement

Germany's new relationship with the UK will see London and Berlin become interconnected at many levels, ensuring Europe is emboldened in other blocs such as Nato.

However, migration remains a major issue on the lips of voters and MPs.

Scholz appeared to suggest a closer relationship with the UK when it comes to borders.

The German Chancellor said: "The contact between our societies, between Germans and people in the UK has declined massively after Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We want to change that because if you know each other well you want to support each other better.

"We share similar views on this and that is why we want to intensify the exchanges between Germany and the UK."

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However, Starmer was forced to dismiss speculation about a return of free movement for under 30s and later rejected the prospect of the UK rejoining the Erasmus scheme.

Belgium's Brexit-bashing former Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt described the UK's decision to leave the EU as an example of "years of rot" and urged the Prime Minister to undo the decision to restore opportunities to young people.

However, ex-Brexit Minister Lord David Frost warned: "Starmer's ambition is not to 'turn a corner on Brexit'.

"It's to reopen all the arguments and to renegotiate the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, in a way that starts making us subject to EU law once again. That's not moving on, it's moving back."

Dismissing speculation of looser migration rules, the Prime Minister said: "We do not have plans for the youth mobility scheme but we do have plans for a closer relationship between us and the EU as part of that reset."

Explaining his plan for a "reset" in more detail, Starmer stressed: "That does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union but it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, including defence, including exchanges."

Brexiteers have warned the Labour leader would look to relinquish the UK's newfound independence.

However, Starmer is keen to hammer home that he wants the UK to "turn a corner" on the Brexit debate.

The Prime Minister, who opened his remarks by expressing his condolences to the three people killed and eight injured in last week's knife attack in Solingen, also explained how Anglo-German cooperation could curb Channel crossings.

Starmer said: "We will also deepen cooperation on shared social challenges, for example on illegal immigration, because we can't smash the smuggler gangs that perpetrate this vile trade without the help of our partners."

The UK will now develop a "joint action plan" with Germany to deal with illegal migration.

Scholz and Starmer were keen to stress the importance of Anglo-German unity on the world stage, particularly with Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine.

The conflict in the Middle East was also raised as the pair were united on Israel's "right to self-defence" provided it was compliant with international humanitarian law.

Starmer lauded the Anglo-German accord as a "once-in-a-generation treaty".

The Prime Minister added: "A new agreement, a testament to the depth and potential of our relationship.

"With deeper links on science, technology, development, people, business, culture [and] a boost to our trading relations."

Scholz also said: "The both of us will be working hard to ensure that this relationship continues to thrive."