But quizzed on the policy earlier this month, a Downing Street spokesman said: “Our position hasn’t changed. We’re not going to be joining an EU-wide youth mobility scheme. There will be no return to freedom of movement, and that remains our position.”
‘EU willing to explore agreements’
According to Politico, the document also makes clear a planned review of the Brexit trade deal, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), could be used to make fundamental changes to the deal.
“Given that the UK’s red lines have not changed (the UK will not rejoin the Single Market and the Customs Union, and will not accept Free Movement of People), it is unlikely that reopening the TCA would bring benefits for either side,” it warns.
However, the EU is willing to “explore agreements alongside” the TCA – particularly in areas like defence and security, where London and Brussels are on a similar page.
Other British government priorities – such as a veterinary agreement, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and linking emissions trading systems – are also potentially on the table provided the UK rethinks again on youth mobility and fully implements agreements drawn up by former Tory prime ministers Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak.
It says these are a “prerequisite” for further talks – particularly on Northern Ireland and on the rights of EU citizens living in Britain. “The implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement by the UK needs to be substantially improved,” the document adds.
The paper also warns that “any new agenda” must address access for EU fishing fleets in British waters, where tougher post-Brexit UK environmental rules on bottom trawling and sand-eel fishing have made life difficult for some member states.
Sir Keir has made clear he is unwilling to conceded on fishing.