Plans for Britain to sign up to free movement scheme for young people in Europe seen as start of Brexit betrayal

PLANS for Britain to sign up to a free movement scheme for young people in Europe were seen as the start of a Brexit betrayal last night.

Whitehall officials were said to be working on allowing university students and those on technical courses to take part.

It is seen as a watered-down version of an EU proposal for 18 to 30-year-olds from the UK and the bloc to live in their destination country for up to four years.

But opponents fear it is a sign Brexit is being unpicked.

Shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers said: “Free movement and more migration is the last thing this country needs. But whenever Labour negotiates, Britain loses.”

Concerns have been raised over keeping the high number of students coming from the EU in check.

The PM has repeatedly said there are no plans to push ahead with a post-Brexit youth mobility scheme.

But civil servants are looking at finding a middle ground with possible solutions targeting education.

No 10 last night said: “Our position on youth mobility is clear and remains unchanged.”

Early-stage discussions are understood to be part of a reset with Europe that would also allow closer links on trade and defence matters.

Downing Street last night said that closer ties with the EU would help with the Government’s number one mission of growth.

A spokesman added: “It is in the UK’s national interest to have more co-operation with the EU.”

And on the fifth anniversary of leaving the bloc, former PM Boris Johnson last night said it was time to cash in on Brexit’s opportunities.

He added: “Now is the time to double down on Brexit and take advantage of our freedoms.”

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