UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – London Mayor Sadiq Khan urges the UK to adopt the EU youth mobility scheme, warning it could shield Britain’s economy from Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
As reported by The Independent, Sadiq Khan pressed officials to sign an EU youth mobility pact, suggesting it could shield the UK from Trump’s trade shock.
What did Sadiq Khan say about the EU youth mobility scheme?
The Mayor of London emphasised that a mobility pact, allowing 18- to 35-year-olds to work and travel freely for two years, must now be prioritised to strengthen economic growth in Britain and the EU amid rising trade tariffs.
In response to Trump’s tariffs, Mr Khan argued the scheme has become “an economic necessity” rather than just a political matter.
He said,
“Europe is by far our biggest trading partner and our most reliable political ally. At a time when our communities can ill-afford to absorb another economic shock that pushes up prices, it makes sense for us to deepen our partnership.”
The Mayor of London called on ministers to adopt an EU scheme, saying,
“A new youth mobility scheme would allow our city – and country – to benefit from the talent, energy, and skills of young EU citizens. They can help ensure we have the world’s best hospitality sector, give our construction sector a shot in the arm, and bring new ideas, creativity, and innovation across our economy.”
Mr Khan stated,
“If others want to rush to put up trade barriers, London will always be in favour of tearing them down and strengthening our connections with the EU and the rest of the world in a mutually beneficial fashion.”
Encouraging Labour to support the proposal, the Mayor of London remarked,
“In the past few weeks, an economic storm has been unleashed, posing a profound threat to global trade. We’ve witnessed the imposition of tariffs at previously unheard-of levels and seen financial markets in turmoil.”
He added,
“Coming so soon after the battering of the pandemic – and at a time when the world economy remains fragile – the fallout will inevitably impact global cities like London and the whole of the UK.”
Mr Khan praised Keir Starmer for
“demonstrating a readiness to safeguard crucial British industries and jobs.”
However, he warned that the “current crisis demands we consider further actions.”
What did the government say about the youth mobility agreement?
A government spokesperson stated,
“We do not have plans for a youth mobility agreement. We are committed to resetting the relationship with the EU to improve the British people’s security, safety and prosperity.”
They added,
“Our starting point will always be to act in Britain’s national interest, but we have been clear there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union or the single market.”
EU youth mobility scheme
MPs have proposed a “youth opportunity scheme,” which would mirror the “youth mobility scheme” as part of efforts to gain government support.
The EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly has called on the government to establish a “youth opportunity scheme.”
The scheme would allow 18- to 35-year-olds, including apprentices, to freely travel and work across nations for a duration of up to two years.
The UK has already established a similar agreement with Australia and 12 other nations, including New Zealand, South Korea, Iceland, Uruguay, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
A YouGov survey, conducted with almost 15,000 people, revealed that two-thirds (66%) of the British public back an agreement with the EU on youth mobility, with only 18% against it.
What did Lord Ricketts say about the EU youth mobility scheme?
Peter Ricketts, the former British senior diplomat and a crossbench peer on the delegation, stated,
“That word mobility seems to be the stumbling block because it conjures up ideas of free movement – even though it would not be free movement.”
He added,
“A youth opportunity scheme is more acceptable on the UK government side. And as far as the parliamentarian sides are concerned, they’re less worried about the words and more worried about giving young people opportunities.”
What did James MacCleary say about the EU youth scheme?
The Liberal Democrats Europe spokesperson, James MacCleary, said,
“Whatever the scheme is called – ‘youth mobility’, ‘youth exchange’ or something else entirely – it’s essential that the UK delivers for young people who deserve the chance to work and live in Europe. It’s mad it’s taken this long to commit to extending a scheme that we already have with Australia and Japan to our European friends.”
He added,
“I hope to see firm plans put forward before the UK-EU summit in May.”