Labour pushes for youth mobility deal with EU amid economic debates

Saturday 27 September 2025 - 15:40

By: Sahili Aya

Labour pushes for youth mobility deal with EU amid economic debates

Labour is seeking to establish an “ambitious” youth mobility scheme with the European Union, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced ahead of the party’s annual conference. The plan would allow thousands of young Europeans to temporarily live, study, and work in the UK, while offering British youth similar opportunities across Europe.

Reeves said the scheme would be “good for the economy, good for growth and good for business,” underlining that it could revive opportunities lost after Brexit. However, she did not specify the precise eligibility criteria.

The initiative aligns with European demands during economic negotiations with London, particularly proposals for exchanges targeting 18- to 30-year-olds. Reeves highlighted that the scheme would allow young Britons to “travel, volunteer, gain experience and learn languages” abroad, while giving their European peers reciprocal access to the UK.

The announcement comes as Reeves prepares her crucial November budget, in which she must balance up to £30bn in potential tax rises or spending cuts. She ruled out a wealth tax, instead defending revenues from existing taxes such as inheritance and capital gains.

Reeves also dismissed economic proposals from Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, who suggested a large council housing programme, higher taxes on the wealthy, and the nationalisation of utilities. She compared his ideas to Liz Truss’s failed economic experiment, warning that risky fiscal policies could destabilise markets.

Despite disagreements within Labour, both Reeves and Burnham framed their arguments around regaining economic credibility while shaping a post-Brexit future that reconnects British youth with Europe.