Sir Keir Starmer told journalists in Berlin, where he is seeking to thaw relations with Germany and the EU following Brexit: “We do not have plans for a youth mobility scheme but do have plans for closer relationship between us and the EU.”
However, he appeared to leave the door open for talks: “Obviously we’ve been really clear — no single market, no customs union, no free movement, no going back into the EU. So the discussion about a close relationship within the EU or with the EU is in that context and within those frameworks.”
The EU had proposed a youth mobility scheme for 18 to 30-year-olds to study and work in the UK for a limited period, with Britons allowed to do the same in Europe in return.
But the BBC said that speaking after the news conference, Sir Keir had insisted the planned treaty with Germany had “nothing to do with youth mobility”.
Abta estimates 38% of travel staff and 49% of industry leaders have worked overseas earlier in their careers.
Abta said: “We do not believe the PM’s statement today rules out a future agreement on youth mobility and this will remain a focus for our lobbying efforts.
"In April, the European Commission requested a mandate from Member States to do a deal on a pan-EU basis, so it was never likely this would form part of any bilateral deal, at least in the short-term.
“Abta is clear that youth mobility is not equivalent to EU freedom of movement or akin to normal migration.
“We believe the UK government should see a youth mobility deal with the EU as something that could boost growth, whilst helping to rebuild links with EU neighbours and to restore opportunities for young Brits.”
