Fresh Cabinet Brexit row erupts over plans to let young Europeans live and work in Britain
A FRESH Cabinet Brexit row has erupted over plans to let young Europeans live and work in Britain.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is said to be pushing for a visa deal in a bid to reset relations with Brussels and jump-start growth.
The EU bloc has made a youth mobility scheme a top demand ahead of a summit in London next month.
Euro officials want 18 to 30-year-olds to be allowed to live, work and study in the UK for up to four years.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is understood to be against the plan.
The Home Office fears it would shatter public trust in Labour’s promise to reduce net migration.
One insider warned: “We wouldn’t accept any scheme that would not be in line with reducing net migration.”
Ms Reeves is eyeing a deal modelled on arrangements with Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
These allow young people to work in the UK for two years, with extensions in some cases.
The Treasury says such a scheme could boost the economy by up to 0.45 per cent over ten years.
PM Sir Keir Starmer is expected to offer concessions on food standards, carbon taxes and fishing access in exchange for smoother trade.
He meets European Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen today in London in a bid to finalise a package ahead of the summit on May 19.
No10 said: “The Prime Minister has been clear there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union or single market.”
Net migration hit a record 745,000 in 2022.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson blasted: “They talk tough on immigration, yet they are willing to open the doors even further.
“It’s not just reckless — it’s dangerous.”
And Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said: “Labour ministers spend more time finding ways to unpick Brexit than make the most of its benefits.”
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