YOUNG Scots are “paying the price” for Labour's Brexit obsession, the SNP have said.
In a policy discussion on international affairs at the SNP conference on Sunday, MP Stephen Gethins called on Keir Starmer to support an EU youth mobility scheme with the UK so that young people in Scotland can have the opportunity to work, learn and train across the EU.
It comes amid reports EU states are working on a fresh proposal for a youth mobility scheme with the UK, after an earlier paper by the European Commission was rejected by Labour in April this year.
Gethins (below), who is also the party’s international affairs spokesperson, said Scotland’s best future is being both independent and rejoining the EU.
“That is the only way to escape the damage of Brexit, rejoin the world's largest single market, and build a strong and prosperous future,” he said.
"While Scotland remains part of the UK, the SNP will make the case for the closest possible relationship with our European neighbours - including calling for the UK government to sign up to an EU youth mobility scheme.
Gethins added: "Young Scots are paying the price for the Labour government's damaging Brexit obsession. It's harming economic growth, increasing the cost of living, and robbing young people of the chance to live, work and study across Europe.
"The SNP will press Keir Starmer to take the UK into an EU youth mobility scheme without delay - and we will continue to make the case that full EU membership offers the best route to the strongest future for Scotland."
Earlier this week, Keir Starmer said he discussed his plans to reset relations with France and the European Union as a whole during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Paris follows talks in Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a sign of his desire to seek closer relations with key figures in the EU.
On the first leg of his trip, Starmer said he was not “reversing Brexit” as he set out plans for a new treaty with Germany – including “deeper links” in several areas.
He agreed that a deal with Germany would be in place by the end of the year following talks with Scholz and also noted it was a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity.
The two countries also agreed to develop a “joint action plan to tackle illegal migration”.
An agreement on youth mobility has been suggested by Brussels and could be a key demand in any negotiations.
That could be seen as a step towards the restoration of free movement and Starmer said he did not have plans for a youth mobility deal, and he had “clear red lines” on the future relationship with the EU.
