The UK government is reportedly considering a youth mobility scheme that would grant 18 to 30-year-olds from EU countries visas to work, study, or volunteer in the UK for up to three years. This potential move, which mirrors agreements with Canada and Australia, comes as part of an attempt to reset post-Brexit relations with the EU.

While Labour insists they have "no plans" to implement such a scheme, government insiders suggest that ministers may need to "give ground" on the issue to improve ties with Brussels.

Critics of this policy are likely to argue that it undermines the Brexit mandate, which was fundamentally about regaining control over immigration. Allowing a vast increase of young Europeans to live and work in the UK could be seen as a step backward, reintroducing freedom of movement through the back door.

Such a policy risks reigniting debates about job competition and social integration, issues that were central to the Brexit campaign. If implemented, this scheme could be viewed as yet another concession to the EU, further eroding the UK’s autonomy in managing its borders and immigration policy.