Keir Starmer fails to announce exact cap on Youth Mobility under new EU deal - 'Very concerning'

Christopher Hope asks Starmer and Lammy about the EU Brexit reset deal
GB News
Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 19/05/2025

- 12:12

Updated: 19/05/2025

- 14:06

Ursula von der Leyen hailed the breakthrough on Erasmus+

The UK has agreed a deal with the EU allowing 18 to 30-year-olds the opportunity to work and travel freely, but the number of individuals eligible for this scheme remains unknown.

It mirrors an existing scheme that the UK currently has with Australia and New Zealand.


Labour has said this will not be a return to freedom of movement but to a controlled number of people in a limited time frame.

There have not been any confirmations on what number the scheme will be capped at and the length of time individuals will be allowed to stay.

READ THE FULL DETAILS OF THE DEAL HERE

\u200bStarmer looks on during a meeting between the UK and the EU

Discussions were held at the UK-EU summit in London

PA

The UK will also enter talks about accessing the EU's facial images data for the first time.

This combines with the existing DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data arrangements.

Part of this agreement is to enhance the ability to catch dangerous criminals and ensure they face justice quickly.

Britons will also be able to use more eGates in Europe, aiming to put an end to long queues at border control.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy with Kaja Kallas, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa at UK-EU Summit

'We're ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people's lives here at home'

PA

Individuals with pets will also be able to travel more easily, through the new 'pet passports' for UK cats and dogs, taking away the need for animal health certificates.

Sir Keir Starmer said: "It's time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people.

"We're ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people's lives here at home.

"So that's what this deal is all about: facing out into the world once again, in the grand tradition of this nation.

Starmer and LammyStarmer looks on during discussions

PA

"Building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose, and closing deals in the national interest. Because that is what independent, sovereign nations do."

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage have already called the deal a "surrender".

Badneoch said: "We're becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again.

"And with no details on any cap or time limits on youth mobility, fears of free movement returning will only increase. This is very concerning."