The UK government has rejected a proposal to restore free movement for young people between Britain and the EU, sparking debate and disappointment among campaigners and the public alike. Here’s the full story.
Another Blow for Youth
In yet another devastating blow to the young people of the United Kingdom, the UK government has rejected claims that it was considering an offer that would have granted those aged 18 to 30 some measure of the freedoms they have lost since Brexit.
Government Dismisses Offer
Despite claims by an unnamed source in The Times that suggested the government was considering a free movement agreement for young people between the UK and EU member states, which would allow young people from both sides to live, work, and study for up to three years, the UK government has, once again, dismissed the idea.
“Not Considering This at All”
In remarkably stark language, no doubt chosen to calm the nerves of the vocal and insistent sections of the population that still support Brexit despite the economic harm the process has caused, a government spokesperson said of the scheme, “We are not considering this at all.”
Public Opinion Shifts
The most recent polling from Statista shows that 55% of people now think it was a mistake to leave the EU, as opposed to 31% who still believe it was the right decision. However, most of the UK’s billionaire-owned, right-wing press still supports the decision to leave.
Hopes Dashed Again
This is the second time young people, who overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 Brexit referendum, have seen their hopes dashed, following a previous rejection by both the then-Conservative government and the Labour opposition when the EU suggested the scheme.
Rumours Quashed Quickly
Despite the unnamed source in The Times suggesting that the UK government was willing to “give ground” on the proposal in exchange for other sought-after concessions in different areas, most notably on trade, government officials were quick to quash such rumours.
“No Plans for This”
A government spokesperson stated, “We are not considering it, there are no plans for this, or any work being done on it.”
Scheme’s Popularity Ignored
Despite the government’s steadfast aversion to a youth mobility scheme, it has consistently been shown to be a popular idea among the public.
Poll Shows Support
A More in Common poll found that 58% of respondents favoured the scheme, with only 10% opposed.
Criticism From Best for Britain
Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of the campaign group Best for Britain, criticised the government’s rejection of the EU’s offer, telling the Financial Times, “A youth mobility scheme will not only take the Brexit brakes off young Brits’ futures, it will show the EU that once again, the UK is open for business.”
EU’s Interest in Scheme
The European Commission has shown interest in pursuing a youth mobility scheme as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties by healing some of the post-Brexit wounds left in UK-EU relations after the long Brexit process.
Benefits Highlighted
When the scheme was first suggested, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the mutual benefits it would provide, stating, “The topic of youth mobility is in both our interests, because the more we have youth mobility being on both sides of the Channel, the more we increase the probability we will be on good terms because the next generation knows each other very well.”
Universities Oppose Proposal
However, the government has not been the only one to oppose the idea of a youth mobility scheme; representatives from UK universities have also criticised the proposals.
Free Movement Criticised
Under the EU youth mobility scheme, young people would have travelled freely between the UK and EU member states without needing visas, health surcharges, or quotas.
University Fees Controversy
However, it was also suggested that EU students could access UK universities at domestic fees, which are considerably lower than those paid by international students.
Financial Concerns
This aspect of the proposal has been criticised by UK universities, who argue that they can only absorb the financial implications of reduced fees with additional government support, which, considering the country’s dire economic situation, is unlikely to appear anytime soon.
Existing Agreements Cited
Despite the government’s argument that a youth-free movement scheme would be politically untenable, the UK currently has youth mobility agreements with several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada.
“Not Freedom of Movement”
Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs at Abta, a travel industry association, stressed that any new youth mobility scheme would be different from restoring the freedoms UK citizens enjoyed before Brexit.
Government Unmoved
Despite such reassurances, the government remains committed to its position for now, unwilling to reopen the Pandora’s box of Brexit, despite strong public support for the youth mobility scheme and a growing sense of buyers’ remorse over Brexit.
Future Uncertain for Youth
With little sign of a change of heart from the recently elected Labour government, it remains to be seen how long young people in the UK and EU will have to wait before they too can enjoy the freedom of cross-border working, studying and travelling enjoyed by generations before them.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pukka TV.
Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.