UK Rejects Talks on EU-wide Youth Mobility Scheme

The UK government has rejected talks on an EU-wide programme that would allow time-limited free movement of young people. The European Commission said on Thursday it would seek permission from EU member states to open negotiations on a “youth mobility scheme” for UK citizens aged 18–30. But a government spokesperson said there was no interest from the UK side, adding that “free movement within the EU was ended.” The UK currently has individual youth mobility schemes with 13 countries, and the government said it preferred such bilateral arrangements over an EU-wide deal. On Thursday, the Commission suggested Britain had expressed an interest in youth mobility deals with individual member states, adding an EU-wide approach would be preferable as it would ensure all members were treated equally....