hago 18.33 GMT UK and EU set to agree youth mobility scheme within months The EU are aiming to finalise negotiations on a youth mobility scheme within months, in time for a joint summit later this year, PA reports. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds and European commissioner Maros Seféovi¢ said both sides would seek to conclude talks in time for the annual summer after a meeting in London on Monday. There has not yet been a date announced for the second EU-UK summit, however it is thought it could take place in late spring or early summer. Prime minister Keir Starmer has expressed a desire for each of the summits, established as part of the Government’s so-called “reset” of post-Brexit relations with Brussels, to bring with it new agreements. A youth mobility scheme would make it easier for young people in the UK to work for a period in EU countries and vice versa. It is one of the areas that have been a key European demand in reaching an economic deal with Britain.

Last year, chancellor Rachel Reeves told the Times that a youth mobility scheme would be “good for the economy, good for growth and good for business”, but stopped short of specifying who would be eligible. In a joint statement after the latest meeting of the EU-UK Partnership Council, the two sides said: “The UK and the EU recalled that the Common Understanding led to a number of negotiations for new agreements. “They aim to conclude by the time of the next EU-UK summit the negotiations on the youth experience scheme, on establishing a common sanitary and phytosanitary area and on linking their emissions trading systems.”