Labour Plans to Facilitate Unrestricted Work Rights for Under-30s Europeans in the UK, According to Reeves' Statement.
Scoop: Labour Eyeing Post-Brexit Deal for Young EU Workers
Rachel Reeves, Labour's finance chief, has hinted at a potential post-Brexit deal with Brussels, poised to allow young EU nationals to live and work in the UK. This move signals a significant shift in Labour's stance on immigration post-Brexit.
Reeves pointed out that the new arrangement would not resemble the freedom of movement experienced during the UK's EU membership. Instead, she proposed a "one in, one out" policy that would keep net migration figures under control.
Reeves emphasized, "We're going to bring down net migration and we aren't going to return to freedom of movement. But we are hosting the summit next month. We do want to see better trading relationships between our countries and we do want to enable young people from Europe and the UK to be able to work and travel overseas. But we've got to get the balance right, because I do not want to see net migration increasing. I want to see net migration falling."
However, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused Reeves of trying to import cheap foreign labor to compensate for economic damage. Philp warned, "Be in no doubt, this is just another attempt by Labour to betray Brexit and re-open the door to uncontrolled and unlimited immigration."
Last week, reports surfaced that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is open to a similar arrangement that would allow UK nationals to reside in member states, in exchange for EU nationals entering the UK under the same arrangements. The UK already has such agreements with countries like Australia and Canada.
While the UK-EU summit on May 19 offers a chance to further discuss a closer post-Brexit relationship, Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden remained reserved, refusing to negotiate the matter publicly.
Brexit's impact on the UK's relationship with the EU has been a focus of concern. Amid attempts to secure a deal with the Trump administration, Reeves admitted that the UK's trading relationship with the EU holds more significance, given its proximity. She highlighted, "Our trading relationship with Europe is arguably even more important, because they're our nearest neighbours and trading partners."
Downing Street responded, acknowledging the EU as the UK's largest trading partner. The discussions surrounding a possible youth mobility deal between the UK and the EU continue, with both sides seeking a balance that ensures cultural, educational, and economic opportunities while managing immigration concerns.
- Rachel Reeves, Labour's finance chief, has suggested a potential post-Brexit deal with Brussels, enabling young EU nationals to live and work in the UK.
- The new deal would not resemble the freedom of movement experienced during the UK's EU membership, instead adopting a "one in, one out" policy to control net migration.
- Reeves stated that this arrangement would facilitate better trading relationships between the UK and EU, allowing young people from both regions to work and travel abroad.
- Chris Philp, Shadow Home Secretary, accused Reeves of trying to import cheap foreign labor, stating that this is another attempt by Labour to re-open the door to uncontrolled and unlimited immigration.
- Last week, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed openness to a similar arrangement that would allow UK nationals to reside in EU member states, mirroring the UK's existing agreements with countries like Australia and Canada.
