Latest news with #MiguelBerger
Epoch Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
UK ‘Will Not Be Defined by the Past' Amid Speculation on EU Youth Visa Scheme
The UK 'will not be defined by the debates and arguments of the past,' Downing Street has said amid speculation about a possible youth mobility deal with the EU. The government has faced pressure from backbench MPs to agree a youth mobility scheme as part of its 'reset' in UK–EU relations. Ministers have previously said they have 'no plans' for such a scheme, but more recently appear to have softened their stance on youth visas. Asked whether a youth mobility scheme was on the table on Friday, a Number 10 spokesman said he would not 'get into the detail of the discussion that is taking place.' He said: '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.' Related Stories 4/10/2025 4/7/2025 Questions about a youth mobility scheme come as The Times of London reported the Home Office was considering a 'one in, one out' arrangement to ensure a cap on the number of visas. Similar youth mobility schemes between the UK and countries including Australia and Canada place a limit on the number of visas that can be issued and restrict those visas to two years. Earlier, Environment Secretary Steve Reed dismissed The Times of London's report as 'speculation,' telling Times Radio: 'We've very clear in our manifesto that there won't be any return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement, and that remains our position.' He also said that it is 'right' to say there are no plans for a youth mobility scheme, adding, 'We're not going to breach our manifesto commitments.' Labour's 2024 general election manifesto said there would be 'no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement.' Ministers have so far resisted calls for a youth mobility scheme, but it is thought that it is something the EU is looking for as Number 10 pursues a 'reset' in relations after Brexit. German ambassador to the UK Miguel Berger told BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme that 'we would like to have this in both directions.' Earlier this week, more than 60 Labour backbenchers urged the government to negotiate a youth mobility scheme as part of the desired reset with the bloc. In a letter to Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister in charge of negotiations with the EU, 62 MPs and 11 peers called for 'a new and bespoke youth visa scheme' for UK and European citizens under 30. 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. They said, 'A bespoke scheme would extend new cultural, educational and economic opportunities to young people in the UK without returning to free movement.' The group also called for deeper collaboration with the EU on defence and a deal on sanitary and phytosanitary measures to reduce border checks on food products, both of which are in line with government policy, among other suggestions.
The Independent
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
UK ‘will not be defined by the past' amid speculation on EU youth visa scheme
The UK 'will not be defined by the debates and arguments of the past', Downing Street has said amid speculation about a possible youth mobility deal with the EU. The Government has faced pressure from backbench MPs to agree a youth mobility scheme as part of its 'reset' in UK-EU relations. Ministers have previously said they have 'no plans' for such a scheme, but more recently appear to have softened their stance on youth visas. Asked whether a youth mobility scheme was on the table on Friday, a Number 10 spokesman said he would not 'get into the detail of the discussion that is taking place'. He said: '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.' Questions about a youth mobility scheme come as The Times reported the Home Office was considering a 'one in, one out' arrangement to ensure a cap on the number of visas. Similar youth mobility schemes between the UK and countries including Australia and Canada place a limit on the number of visas that can be issued and restrict those visas to two years. Earlier, Environment Secretary Steve Reed dismissed The Times's report as 'speculation', telling Times Radio: 'We've very clear in our manifesto that there won't be any return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement, and that remains our position.' He also said that it is 'right' to say there are no plans for a youth mobility scheme, adding: 'We're not going to breach our manifesto commitments.' Labour's 2024 general election manifesto said there would be 'no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement'. Ministers have so far resisted calls for a youth mobility scheme, but it is thought that it is something the EU is looking for as Number 10 pursues a 'reset' in relations after Brexit. German ambassador to the UK Miguel Berger told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that 'we would like to have this in both directions'. Earlier this week, more than 60 Labour backbenchers urged the Government to negotiate a youth mobility scheme as part of the desired reset with the bloc. In a letter to Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister in charge of negotiations with the EU, 62 MPs and 11 peers called for 'a new and bespoke youth visa scheme' for UK and European citizens under 30. 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. They said: 'A bespoke scheme would extend new cultural, educational and economic opportunities to young people in the UK without returning to free movement.' The group also called for deeper collaboration with the EU on defence and a deal on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures to reduce border checks on food products, both of which are in line with Government policy, among other suggestions.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
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.'
Powys County Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
UK ‘will not be defined by the past' amid speculation on EU youth visa scheme
The UK 'will not be defined by the debates and arguments of the past', Downing Street has said amid speculation about a possible youth mobility deal with the EU. The Government has faced pressure from backbench MPs to agree a youth mobility scheme as part of its 'reset' in UK-EU relations. Ministers have previously said they have 'no plans' for such a scheme, but more recently appear to have softened their stance on youth visas. Asked whether a youth mobility scheme was on the table on Friday, a Number 10 spokesman said he would not 'get into the detail of the discussion that is taking place'. He said: '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.' Questions about a youth mobility scheme come as The Times reported the Home Office was considering a 'one in, one out' arrangement to ensure a cap on the number of visas. Similar youth mobility schemes between the UK and countries including Australia and Canada place a limit on the number of visas that can be issued and restrict those visas to two years. Earlier, Environment Secretary Steve Reed dismissed The Times's report as 'speculation', telling Times Radio: 'We've very clear in our manifesto that there won't be any return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement, and that remains our position.' He also said that it is 'right' to say there are no plans for a youth mobility scheme, adding: 'We're not going to breach our manifesto commitments.' Labour's 2024 general election manifesto said there would be 'no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement'. Ministers have so far resisted calls for a youth mobility scheme, but it is thought that it is something the EU is looking for as Number 10 pursues a 'reset' in relations after Brexit. German ambassador to the UK Miguel Berger told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that 'we would like to have this in both directions'. Earlier this week, more than 60 Labour backbenchers urged the Government to negotiate a youth mobility scheme as part of the desired reset with the bloc. In a letter to Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister in charge of negotiations with the EU, 62 MPs and 11 peers called for 'a new and bespoke youth visa scheme' for UK and European citizens under 30. 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. They said: 'A bespoke scheme would extend new cultural, educational and economic opportunities to young people in the UK without returning to free movement.' The group also called for deeper collaboration with the EU on defence and a deal on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures to reduce border checks on food products, both of which are in line with Government policy, among other suggestions.
