Sir Keir Starmer’s “reset” deal with the European Union still leaves Britain’s door open to thousands more immigrants, it has been revealed.
The Prime Minister, who yesterday confirmed he is pushing for a capped and time-limited “Youth Experience Scheme”, is facing pressure from Brussels bureaucrats to adopt a more “ambitious” arrangement.
The EU is even demanding that "young Europeans", a term thought to include anyone aged 18 to 30, can bring their families to the UK.
While it remains to be seen how much those dependants could cost the taxpayer, analysis of non-EU arrivals in the UK in recent years has revealed that Britons could be forced to cough up as much as £35billion by 2028.
Such a scenario could land a hammer blow to Starmer’s commitment to fix Britain’s “broken” borders, with fears of hundreds of thousands of EU migrants exploiting the scheme if it remains uncapped.
European Council President Antonio Costa, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during a press conference at the end of the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House
PA
The decision to label the imminent arrangement a “Youth Experience Scheme” also appears to have indicated the UK’s determination to distance itself from the EU’s initial proposal.
Leading Labour Ministers have dismissed concerns about a Youth Mobility Scheme - resulting in freedom of movement by the backdoor - insisting the UK already has similar schemes with 13 other countries.
However, the EU will look to put pressure on the UK to pursue a looser arrangement, with Brexiteers warning the Prime Minister has already "sold out" fishermen and UK sovereignty.
And the EU’s demands already go well beyond similar requests made by staunch British allies Australia and New Zealand.
Brussels’s initial proposal, penned in April 2024, stated that those aged 18 to 30 should not need a purpose to enter the UK or adhere to a strict quota.
UK Border sign is seen at the arrivals passport control and visa area of London Heathrow Airport LHR GETTYWhile stopping short of proposing an indefinite migration arrangement, the EU’s initial suggestion appears to enable an unlimited number of arrivals under the pretence they only stay for four years and meet the conditions of residency.
Brussels suggested valid travel documentation, sickness insurance, and proof of sufficient means of subsistence would all constitute general conditions for admission.
In a leaked document shared with the FT, Brussels is demanding a “dedicated visa” to enable young people to work, study or “simply travel” in the UK as long as they have sufficient funds.
It also proposes that EU students should return to paying the same £9,535 fees to attend British universities as home students.
Keir Starmer met with Ursula von der Leyen in London yesterday PAThe UK is instead proposing a “time-limited [and] capped” deal that would mean visitors had “no right to bring dependants or access benefits”.
Despite fears expressed by Brexiteers about a Youth Mobility Scheme spiking Britain’s already record-busting migration figures, many young people remain hopeful of the looser travel restrictions between the UK and EU.
Alfred Quantrill, from the Young European Movement, called on the Prime Minister to pull down barriers to Britain's youth living and working abroad.
He said: "Young Britons deserve the same chances enjoyed by most of their peers across the continent.
"The Government must commit to a Youth Experience Scheme that will open doors for British young people through education, training, and work.
"That means rejoining schemes like Erasmus+, but also opening up broader access to apprenticeships, internships, and leisure.
"While our parents could freely work, study and travel across borders, this generation is trapped by paperwork and high costs. The Youth Experience Scheme is Starmer’s chance to fix this failure."
