Germany ‘optimistic' over deal to allow young EU migrants to UK
A top German diplomat has said he is 'really optimistic' that Britain will agree a deal to allow young EU migrants to live and work in the UK.
Miguel Berger, the German ambassador to the UK, said on Friday he was confident the UK and EU were 'moving in a good direction' in agreeing to a youth visa scheme enabling under-30s from Europe to stay in the UK.
British officials are more sceptical, despite a change in the Government's tone from publicly declaring that there are 'no plans' for such a youth mobility scheme to one in which senior ministers have opened the door to negotiations.
But there is concern among some within the Government that the EU is talking up the prospect of a deal ahead of the first UK-EU summit since Brexit next month, which is designed to pave the way for a 'reset' in relations with the bloc.
It followed suggestions that Britain was open to a 'one in, one out' scheme.
This would involve capping the number of young EU citizens coming to the UK so they do not exceed British people going to Europe to ensure no increase in net migration.
'Lots of this is being fuelled by EU speculation,' said a source.
Mr Berger said: 'I am now pretty optimistic that we are moving in a good direction. It would make it possible for young people with parents with a lower income to experience the possibility to work abroad, to learn a language, and we would like to have this in both directions.'
He denied it would fuel inflation and said that there 'needed to be progress'.
'There is a very serious and dedicated preparatory work for the summit on May 19,' he said.
On Wednesday, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, confirmed that a youth mobility scheme was being discussed with the EU, despite Nick Thomas-Symonds, the paymaster general, saying the following day that a visa deal was 'not part of our plans'.
Ms Reeves has been reported as being in favour of the scheme while Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is said to have argued against allowing EU citizens to stay more than 12 months, as any longer would mean they would be included in the net migration figures.
More than 60 Labour backbenchers signed a letter this week calling for 'a new and bespoke youth visa scheme' for citizens under 30 from the UK and Europe.
In their letter, the MPs and peers said any youth mobility scheme should be in line with the UK's existing arrangements with countries such as Australia and Canada, with a time limit on visas and a cap on numbers.
A No 10 spokesman said on Friday: 'We've always been clear about the nature of these discussions.
'Both sides are discussing a wide range of issues, which is entirely normal for any negotiation. I don't think we could have been clearer that this is not about returning to the EU, but we will not be defined by the debates and arguments of the past.
'What we will be defined by is putting more money in the pockets of working people and providing Britain with long-term stability and security.'
The spokesman later added: 'The Prime Minister has been very clear about the benefits that a better partnership with the EU can bring and how it can unlock benefits for British people and British business.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rhyl Journal
25 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. I have always said nothing about Gibraltar, without Gibraltar. — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025 President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
BBC News
29 minutes ago
- BBC News
Government to invest £20m in Warndon community initiatives
An area of Worcester has been chosen as one of 25 parts of the country to receive up to £20m in regeneration government cash, which is spread over the next 10 years and earmarked for "community-led regeneration", was announced in Wednesday's Spending Review by the chancellor, Rachel West, in the north-east of the city, is among the areas to benefit, with local residents welcoming the news.A government spokesperson said it wanted to ensure "places that have been too easily left behind are no longer ignored." Labour MP for Worcester Tom Collins said Warndon had been "badly let down" in the past."We will work locally to make sure this money is controlled by local people and brings the type of real change that the people of Worcester deserve," he details of how the money will be used are yet to emerge, the government said it would "support improvements people can see on their doorstep, champion local leadership, foster community engagement and strengthen social cohesion".The funding would prioritise the needs of local people, Collins said, and support "projects that residents can see and feel". 'Forgotten area' The announcement went down well with local people who spoke to BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester on Wednesday. "You have children running wild, at night, on motorbikes," one man said."We need a lot more activity which we haven't got - and I think all it needs is a little bit more thinking, and more activities for the youngsters to do."He said the area had been "very let down" and there had not been enough investment."We seem to be on the bottom level," he said it was "about time" the area had more money to spend on projects - in particular for families and younger people."Families need more things to do, you do see some poor sights," he people told the BBC that they felt suggested the money could be spent on a new library and a swimming pool. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Sky News
31 minutes ago
- Sky News
Ballymena riots latest: Fire started 'after vandalism' at leisure centre as disorder breaks out for third night in row in N Ireland
21:47:04 Leisure centre on fire 'temporarily housed people from Ballymena' Reports in Ireland suggest the leisure centre said to be targeted by vandals tonight - see 20.59 - may have housed people moved from Ballymena, though this has not been verified. DUP politician Gordon Lyons posted on Facebook earlier today "a number of individuals were temporarily moved to Larne Lesiure Centre... following disturbances in Ballymena". "It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and Council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne," he added. "Protesting is of course a legitimate right but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful." The Irish Independent said it is understood there is nobody currently inside the Leisure Centre. 21:14:01 'Force will be used against violent individuals', police warn crowd In Ballymena, police have gathered to deter any rioters planing disorder for a third night in a row. Our team is there now, where a crowd has been told to move away. A warning played via speakers tells them they should be "dispersed immediately". It then warns "force will be used against violent individuals". 20:59:56 Fire breaks out in town east of Ballymena A fire has reportedly broken out at a leisure centre in another town in the same county as Ballymena. Footage on social media shows masked individuals smashing windows and setting fires outside in Larne. The map below shows where Larne is, about 20 miles east of Ballymena in County Antrim. Local Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly said the leisure centre "has been attacked by masked thugs". "Windows smashed and fires lit nearby," he posted on social media. "Larne does not need this." 20:59:01 In pictures: Police brace for further rioting More pictures now from the scene in Ballymena, where police are preparing for another night of rioting. 20:46:01 Entire rows of houses displaying 'locals live here' signs We've already brought you reports of residents in Ballymena displaying signs in their windows about their nationality - in an attempt to avoid rioters targeting their homes. Now, our team on the ground bring us pictures of entire rows of homes displaying signs. Our correspondent Connor Gillies explains that these signs look organised, as they are all of the same design, printed on yellow paper with black lettering in caps saying "Locals live here". Some homes with the signs in their windows also have the Northern Irish flag or the Union flag, too. 20:30:01 More police arrive with shields and helmets We reported in the post below that the police presence in Ballymena is growing. The picture below, from the last few minutes, gives you an idea of the units now taking formation. Several vans have arrived, blocking off a street as more officers line up equipped with riot gear. 20:16:48 Significant police presence in Ballymena A brief update from Connor Gillies, our reporter on the ground in Northern Ireland. He says he's just arrived in Ballymena for the evening, where there is a significant police presence. We'll bring you more updates as we get them. 20:09:01 'I deplore the thuggery' More political reaction now, with former SDLP leader Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick reacting to the violence. She said earlier: "I deplore the thuggery and the racist violence in Ballymena over the last two days, where there were attacks on the police service of Northern Ireland and on ethnic minorities." Violence condemned 'unequivocally' DUP peer Lord Weir of Ballyholme added: "Can I join with others in commending the efforts and the bravery of the police and the other emergency services in dealing [with the] situation of the last 48 hours, and also unreservedly and unequivocally condemn the violence that has taken place in Ballymena. "Whatever the underlying issues that are there in Ballymena, nothing can ever justify the thuggery that is being perpetrated there." 19:45:01 Aftermath of 'ugly' night of 'racially motivated' violence - and how it all began Police say the violence this week in Ballymena is "clearly racially motivated". Connor Gillies explains it all began with a vigil for a teenage girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault. Two teenage boys, from Romania, have appeared in court connected to that investigation. Officers say the vigil was hijacked by a planned anti-immigration mob. Watch below as Gillies runs through the origins of the riots, and looks at the homes devastated by violence.
