EUROPEAN youngsters could move to Britain for more than a year under Labour’s new EU youth mobility scheme – fuelling fresh outrage over rising immigration.
EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds confirmed the deal will mirror the UK’s existing schemes with countries like Australia, which allow stays of up to two or even three years.
It means thousands of 18 to 30-year-olds from the EU could soon be counted in Britain’s official immigration figures, which include anyone staying more than 12 months.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is understood to be pushing for a 12-month cap, but Brussels is demanding longer stays as part of a reciprocal arrangement.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp blasted: “The Government openly refuses to talk about a numerical limit to this proposal.
“With no limit, Labour’s planned scheme would allow tens of millions of people to come to the UK.
“Some European countries give citizenship to illegal immigrants within just a year of getting asylum.
“Without proper controls, this proposal will throw our borders wide open.”
Reform MP Lee Anderson added “Immigration is a top concern for voters, yet Labour continues to keep the doors wide open.
“There is no question, the population explosion has done this country great damage.
“Labour should focus on our endless problems at home before pandering to the needs of all foreigners.”
Mr Thomas-Symonds told The Times it will not be a return to freedom movement, but refused to rule out a multi-year scheme and said it will be “in the context” of the UK’s 13 existing youth mobility arrangements.
AlamyEuropean youngsters could move to Britain for more than a year under Labour’s new EU youth mobility scheme[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
