Sir Keir Starmer yesterday left the door open to the return of free movement for those under 30 as he launched an attempt to “restore” Britain’s relationship with Europe.
On a visit to Berlin, the Prime Minister promised a “bright new future” between the UK and Germany, with closer ties designed to boost trade between the two countries.
But insisting he was “not reversing Brexit”, Sir Keir refused to rule out introducing a “backpackers and baristas” scheme that would allow 18- to 30-year-olds from across the EU to move to the UK to work, travel or study in a few years.
It is a key demand from European allies in return for a closer trading relationship, leading critics to accuse Sir Keir of ripping up the terms of the Brexit deal.
At a press conference at the German Chancellery yesterday, the prime minister said she had “no plans” for such a plan, but refused to rule it out outright when pressed by reporters.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shakes hands with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer yesterday left the door open to the return of free movement for those under 30 as he launched an attempt to “reset” Britain’s relationship with Europe.
He said: “On the issue of youth mobility, we have obviously been very clear: no single market, no customs union, no free movement, no return to the EU.”
‘So the debate about the EU or closer relations with the EU is situated in that context and within that framework.
“I am sure that we can have a close relationship, and I think that they have listened to the Chancellor (of Germany), despite the clear red line that we have and that we have always had.”
Labour has made no secret of the fact that it wants closer ties with the EU, but without progress on Brussels’ proposals for a youth mobility plan, talks could stall.
At a joint press conference in Berlin yesterday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz bluntly stated that “contact” between Germans and British has “diminished dramatically following Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“We share similar views on this matter and that is why we want to strengthen the exchange between Germany and the United Kingdom,” he said.
On a visit to Berlin, the Prime Minister promised a “bright new future” between the UK and Germany
At a joint press conference in Berlin yesterday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz bluntly stated that “communication” between Germans and Britons has significantly diminished following Brexit and Covid.
It came after Scholz’s foreign affairs spokesman Nils Schmidt suggested a youth mobility deal would be the price of closer ties.
He told BBC Radio 4 that it was “a key feature of our shortlist” and that it was not about “opening the walls to labour immigration” but about facilitating student exchanges.
But Sir Kiir’s comments last night sparked a backlash, with warnings he was trying to keep Britain “under the control of Brussels through the back door”.
Former Conservative Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel told the Mail: “The Prime Minister, who has consistently advocated a second referendum, cannot be trusted to stand up for Brexit.
‘He always wanted to bring us into the EU orbit and put us under the control of Brussels through the back door.
‘Labour’s plan to relax immigration controls with the EU will start a slippery slope towards closer alignment and a return to freedom of movement.
“Given his poor record in negotiations and his union being so easily handed over to the paymasters, Keir Starmer cannot be trusted to protect something as precious as our sovereignty.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (right) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) hold a joint press conference at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, August 28.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attends a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after talks at the Chancellery on August 28.
And former Conservative Brexit minister David Jones said: ‘Keir Starmer infamously tried to stop Brexit by calling a second referendum, when the will of the British people was already clear.
‘It is therefore quite reasonable that people are always suspicious of Europe’s intentions when it comes to them.
‘He should make it abundantly clear that British sovereignty will come first in all our relations with the EU. His anger today provides no relief in that regard.’
Sir Keir was in Berlin for talks with Scholes to launch discussions on a major new deal between the UK and Germany.
Describing the agreement as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for workers in both countries, the prime minister said it would result in “deeper ties of science, technology, development, people, business, culture” and “promote our trade relations.”
The two leaders also discussed how to tackle the smuggling cycle and agreed to develop a “joint action plan to combat illegal immigration.”
Following a two-day visit to Berlin, Sir Keir flew to Paris for the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games and will meet French President Emmanuel Macron today.
Asked about his talks with Scholz, the prime minister confirmed that a return agreement with Germany “was not discussed today.”
But he said he hoped the joint action plan would help stop small vessels using the English Channel from transiting Germany.
Following a two-day visit to Berlin, Sir Keir flew to Paris for the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games and will meet French President Emmanuel Macron today.
