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Young people are free to move around the EU again.
Credit: Laura Stanley. Pexels.
Priti Patel has accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of “not being truthful” with the public over Brexit after possible new plans to relax freedom of movement were revealed.
The Labour government is said to be drawing up details of a youth mobility scheme that would allow European workers under 30 to come and live and work in the UK. Starmer had previously ruled out the move. The proposal comes amid fears the new government will “come down” on the issue as it seeks to reset relations with Brussels.
Patel Opposes
Former Home Secretary, Conservative leadership contender and staunch Brexiteer Priti Patel opposed the move, saying: “It is astonishing that the Labour government is considering relaxing freedom of movement rules with the EU, despite having repeatedly ruled this out before.”
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“It should come as no surprise that Keir Starmer is not being truthful with the public about Labour’s true intentions with the EU when they have already misled the British people about the state of the economy so that Labour can cave to their union bosses at the expense of working pensioners.”
“Thatcher came to office promising to reduce the size of the state, whereas Keir Starmer is only cutting back on his promises.”
Other Conservatives Against the Proposal
Criticism of the proposed policy comes as pro-Brexit ministers fear more pro-EU measures could be implemented under a Labour government.
Mark Francois, chair of the European Research Group (ERG), said: “Starmer remains a Remainer, and always will be.
“This is just an initial step in what will be a step-by-step journey to try to gradually bring us back into the EU, but without a referendum.”
Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly said it was “another great victory for Sir Surrender”.
He continued: “Fresh from caving to unions’ inflationary wage demands, the world’s worst negotiator is ready to cave to the EU and bring back free movement.”
What does the New Plan Propose?
If enacted, the plan could allow EU citizens under 30 to live and work in the UK for up to three years. This would be the first time such a scheme would be allowed since Brexit. A reciprocal arrangement would also come into play, allowing young British citizens to live and work within the EU.
What do you think?
What do you think about the new plans to allow freedom of movement for under-30s between the UK and the EU? Is it simply a case of regaining lost rights, or do you fear the consequences of the plan? What do you think will happen if the plan is agreed between London and Brussels? Let us know in the comments!
