London Mayor Sadiq Khan is advocating for the United Kingdom to establish a new arrangement with the European Union, allowing young Brits to easily live, study, and work in the EU, similar to the pre-Brexit era.
In an interview with the Observer, Mayor Khan’s proposal has been described as one of the most pro-European ideas put forth by a senior Labour politician since the 2016 referendum to leave the EU. Khan clarified that he is not proposing to re-join the EU, but rather to establish a “youth mobility” agreement with the EU Member States or make changes to post-Brexit employment visa rules. This arrangement would enable UK young people to access opportunities for education, travel, and employment in key sectors of the economy in EU countries.
Khan’s proposal has been met with criticism from some UK politicians, including Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden. However, Khan has been consistent in advocating for easier access for young people to study and work abroad, having previously signed a petition for the UK to re-join the EU’s Erasmus programme.
While there have been concerns and opposition to Khan’s proposal, there has not been a significant reaction from the EU side. However, the German ambassador in London has mentioned that Germany is already testing a similar arrangement, which would allow people between the ages of 18 and 35 to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
It is important to note that Mayor Khan has made similar proposals in the past, advocating for eased post-Brexit visa rules for EU citizens visiting London for tourism, work, and study purposes.
The proposals put forth by Mayor Sadiq Khan aim to address the challenges faced by young people in the UK since Brexit, particularly in terms of accessing education and employment opportunities in the EU. These ideas reflect a broader conversation surrounding post-Brexit immigration policies and the potential impact on the mobility of young people. As discussions continue, it will be interesting to see how the UK and the EU respond to these proposals and whether they will result in tangible changes for young Brits seeking opportunities across the EU.
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