(Reuters) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer raised the prospect that a youth mobility deal with the European Union will be struck next week, saying in an interview on Friday that this would not amount to a return to freedom of movement.
Starmer will welcome EU leaders to London on Monday to help reset relations with the bloc, with both sides aiming to secure progress in some specific areas while other issues will remain off-limits.
Opposition politicians, including Nigel Farage who leads the increasingly popular Reform UK, say making it easier for more young EU citizens to come to Britain could open the door to full freedom of movement.
In the interview, Starmer told the Times newspaper that overall freedom of movement was a “red line”, adding that “youth mobility is not freedom of movement”.
Starmer’s personal approval ratings have hit a record low, according to a YouGov survey published on Friday, and he is under pressure to show his government is delivering on its promises of economic renewal.
“If we get this stronger trading relationship with the EU then hopefully that will be measured in the pockets of working
people,” Starmer told the Times.
Brexit has grown increasingly unpopular with the electorate, according to opinion polls, with the economy faring poorly in recent years and international trade a particular weak spot.
(Reporting by Andy Bruce; Editing by Richard Chang)
