Sadiq Khan backs Brussels youth free movement deal

Khan has since backed the plans, saying he would attempt to persuade a potential Labour government to support it.

The youth mobility scheme, proposed by the European Commission in April, would allow Europeans aged 18 to 30 to come to the UK for up to four years to work, travel and study.

UK citizens could also benefit from the scheme, allowing them to move to the continent under the deal.

Khan said the proposals have value "not just from a social and cultural perspective, but an economic perspective."

Speaking to Politico, he said: "I can't introduce a youth mobility scheme without the government supporting this.

"So one of the points I'll be making to a new Labour government is how a skill shortage and the labour shortage is affecting our economy."

He added: "Allowing those between 18 and 30 to come to London — and vice versa by the way — is so important relation to hospitality, in relation to the night-time economy, in relation to culture, in relation to social care, healthcare and other sectors where there's record numbers of vacancies."

Dorothy Herson, Vice President of the Young European Movement, welcomed Khan's remarks, saying it "brings hope that a future Government may support a pro-European vision that benefits the next generation".

She told GB News: "After the disappointing dismissal of a youth mobility deal with the EU, Sadiq Khan’s push for this agreement is a welcome update, one we can consider encouraging in the build-up to a general election.

"The current situation risks alienating the young, pro-European voters who see the value in living, working, and studying across Europe.

"Sadiq Khan seems to understand that fostering these connections is crucial for our future.

"This brings hope that a future Government may support a pro-European vision that benefits the next generation."

Speaking in May, the EU's Brexit negotiator Maros Sefcovic said the aim of the scheme is to "rebuild human bridges" between both sides of the Channel.

He said: "The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union has hit young people in the EU and the UK who would like to study, work and live abroad particularly hard.

“Today, we take the first step towards an ambitious but realistic agreement between the EU and the UK that would fix this issue.

"Our aim is to rebuild human bridges between young Europeans on both sides of the Channel.”

But at the time, a Labour spokesperson said: "This is a proposal from the EU Commission to EU member states, not to the UK.

"It has come about because the UK government is reportedly approaching other European countries to try to establish mobility arrangements.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Tice demands 'employer immigration tax' as Reform slams Britain's 'ADDICTION' to migration
• Starmer campaigns alongside Gething amid mounting pressure on Welsh leader
• SNP boasts it will GAIN seats at election despite devastating polls

"Labour has no plans for a youth mobility scheme. We have already suggested some tangible ways that we would look to improve the relationship and deliver for British businesses and consumers, including seeking a veterinary agreement to tackle trade barriers, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and improved touring opportunities for artists.

"A Labour Government would seek to improve the UK’s working relationship with the EU within our red lines - no return to the single market, customs union or free movement."