Keir Starmer on youth mobility

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has discussed the potential for a youth mobility scheme with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, indicating a willingness to consider the proposal during talks at the European Political Community summit. This discussion comes after Starmer's Labour party previously rejected a broader EU-wide youth mobility deal proposed by Brussels in April. Critics within the Conservative party have labeled Starmer's openness to a bilateral agreement as a betrayal of prior commitments to limit migration, as Labour's manifesto promised 'no return' to freedom of movement. However, a bilateral deal with Spain would not necessarily violate this pledge, as it would differ from EU-wide agreements and might aid in economic growth goals. The UK currently operates youth mobility schemes with several non-EU countries, but no such arrangement exists with EU nations. The European Commission's proposal aimed to facilitate easier movement for young people between the UK and EU countries, a notion that has resurfaced amid ongoing discussions about post-Brexit relations.