Plans for a youth mobility scheme between Britain and the European Union are “moving in a good direction,” says Germany’s ambassador to London.
Miguel Berger was upbeat about the prospects of such a visa scheme for young people.
The UK Government has been wary about the proposals and the risks that they could spark claims that Labour is seeking to bring back freedom of movement by the back door.
But the EU and dozens of MPs have been strongly pushing the idea as part of building closer ties after Brexit and the economic damage that it has caused.
“The important point is that we create a possibility for young people, young Brits, to go to the European Union, have the experience,” Mr Berger told BBC radio.
“This would make it possible also for young people, with parents with a lower income, to experience the possibility to work abroad, to learn a language, and we would like to have this in both directions.
“And I’m now pretty optimistic that we are moving in a good direction.”
On Wednesday, a group of 62 Labour backbenchers wrote to Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister in charge of negotiations with the EU, calling for a “new and bespoke youth visa scheme” for UK and European citizens under 30.
But in the Commons on Thursday, Mr Thomas-Symonds said it was “not part of our plans”, and the official readout of Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday made no mention of youth mobility.
“The Prime Minister was clear that he will seize any opportunity to improve the lives of working people in the United Kingdom, drive growth and keep people safe - and he believes a strengthened partnership between the UK and the EU will achieve this,” said No10.
Labour has committed to improving Britain’s trade deal with the EU, including reducing barriers for food exporters and increasing co-operation on defence.
At the start of Thursday’s meeting, Ms von der Leyen said talks could “pave the way” to the UK joining the Security Action for Europe (Safe) programme that allows EU countries to co-operate on defence procurement.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reported to be warming to some form of youth mobility scheme as a driver of economic growth.
But Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is said to be concerned it could impact on net migration figures.
Proposals being floated include capping the scheme and making it a “one in, one out” so it would not affect net migration numbers.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed told Times Radio: “Negotiations are underway. We were very clear in our manifesto that there won’t be any return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement and that remains our position.”
He added: “The British people were absolutely clear at the general election, so was the Labour Party, that they want to see less net migration into this country. We get economic growth by training up people who are living in this country now, British people, to do the jobs that are coming along.”
But bosses in the hospitality and other sectors have warned of difficulties recruiting qualified staff.
