The right of young people to move freely between the UK and EU has emerged as a key negotiating point - along with fishing rights - ahead of a summit in London which the prime minister hopes will "reset" relations between the two sides. Before Brexit, people were allowed to come and go under "freedom of movement" rules. The EU would like a new "youth mobility scheme" but there are concerns about what impact this might have on UK immigration numbers. Fishing rights are another potential sticking point with the EU calling for an extension of the current post-Brexit deal, but UK fishing groups calling for changes to it. BBC Verify has been examining both issues and why they are important. Since Brexit, UK and EU citizens no longer have an automatic right to live, work, or study in each other's countries. To come to the UK for an extended period, EU nationals usually need specific visas - many of which require a sponsor. Following these new rules, there has been a significant drop in the number of EU students coming to the UK. The UK does have an existingYouth Mobility Scheme (YMS)which allows young adults to live, work and study in the UK for up to two years. People from specific countries can applybut not from EU ones. They have to pay an application fee, the health surcharge, and have at least £2,530 in savings. Unlike most other visa schemes, the YMS does not require sponsorship. Last year, just over 24,000 YMS visas were issued - Australians were the largest single group, followed by New Zealanders and Canadians. Just over a year ago, theEU proposed a "youth mobility scheme" for EU and UK citizens (aged 18 to 30), allowing stays of up to four years. The idea was rejected by the-then Conservative government. It it is politically sensitive, given Sir Keir Starmer's pledge to "significantly" reduce immigration levels in the coming years. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has warned against "backsliding on freedom of movement". Documents circulated between EU statessuggested any deal could be rebranded as a "youth experience" scheme, in an apparent bid to downplay any link to migration. Madeleine Sumption from Oxford University's Migration Observatory told BBC Verify that a UK/EU youth mobility scheme would likely increase net migration in the short term, as new participants arrive. However, she adds that if everyone left the UK when their visa expired, the long-term impact on migration levels would be minimal. "If the UK is worried about the impact, it could phase in the scheme, where it gradually increases the quota. So as people leave, the quota could be raised rather than a big bang, all come at once," she said. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper isreportedly arguing for visas to be limited to one yearso that EU citizens taking part do not show up in official immigration figures, with applications also subject to an overall cap. Another consideration, Ms Sumption points out, is how many people would go home when their temporary visa comes to an end. "Even on temporary visas, people do stay. They get a job offer and end up getting a skilled visa through their employer", she says. The Oxford Migration Observatory says about 10% of people who arrived on temporary worker visas in 2014 from Australia, Canada and New Zealand remained in the UK at the end of 2023. Fishing is another sensitive subject. The post-Brexit deal on fishing rights - who gets to fish where - expires at the end of June 2026. Several EU countries, including France, areasking the UK for concessions, in return for the things the UK wants from the summit. They are pushing for along-term extension of the current arrangements, agreed in 2020. Fishing only accounts foran estimated 0.4% of UK GDPbut it was a big issue in the Brexit campaign and promises were made that the UK would become an "independent coastal state". Under the Brexit deal in 2020 however, EU boats were given continued access to UK waters. In 2023,UK vessels landed 719,000 tonnes of fish- an increase of 14% compared to 2019. However, this growth has been driven by Scottish catches, while English fishing boats have seen a fall in their landings. This is linked to the way in which fish quotas were divided up after Brexit, benefitting some areas. At the same time, it has become harder for the UK to export fish to the EU due to post-Brexit paperwork and checks. In 2023, the UK exported 235,606 tonnes of fish to the EU. That's down 29% compared to the 2019 figure of 333,403 tonnes. Chris Ranford, Chief Executive of the Cornish Fish Producers' Organisation (CFPO), represents 175 member vessels and says nothing much has changed, sinceBBC Verify last spoke to him in 2022. He says French vessels are still fishing off the Cornish coast: "Very modern, very high-powered French fishing vessels that have much greater catching capacity than the UK or Cornish boats come up to the six-mile line. We don't have space to fish." For him, the number one priority for any future fishing deal is to stop EU vessels entering the stretch of coastal water that lies between six and 12 nautical miles offshore. France has reportedly called for continued access to UK waters for its fishing boats, in exchange for a defence deal the UK is pushing for. We asked the Maritime Fisheries Committee for Northern France for comment. Another area of improvement Mr Ranford is calling for is easier access to EU markets. "Our small to medium-sized businesses can't afford to do the extra paperwork to get the fish to the EU market," he said. Elspeth Macdonald, who represents 450 fishing boats as Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, says: "The market access to the EU has become more bureaucratic." She says she is disappointed with the five-year fishing deal the UK signed up to. "Our position approaching the EU reset… is that the access to each other's waters would be on the basis of annual discussions". "By having that lever around access, the UK could secure a much fairer share of the resources in our own waters." There are strong opinions on both sides on fishing and youth mobility. If the UK is to get what it wants from the summit, including easing the trade in agricultural goods between the UK and the EU, there will have to be some give and take in the coming days. What do you want BBC Verify to investigate?
Why youth mobility and fishing are key issues ahead of UK/EU summit
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Youth Mobility and Fishing Rights at Center of Upcoming UK/EU Summit"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The upcoming UK/EU summit in London is set to address crucial issues surrounding youth mobility and fishing rights, both of which have significant implications for post-Brexit relations. The right of young people to move freely between the UK and EU, which was previously facilitated by 'freedom of movement' rules, has become a contentious negotiating point. The EU has proposed a new 'youth mobility scheme' that would allow citizens aged 18 to 30 to live and work in each other's territories for up to four years. However, there are concerns in the UK regarding the potential increase in immigration numbers that such a scheme could bring. Currently, the UK's existing Youth Mobility Scheme permits limited visa access for young adults from select countries, excluding EU nations, and requires financial commitments such as a substantial application fee and proof of savings. This has led to a notable decline in EU students opting to study in the UK, highlighting the impact of tightened immigration regulations since Brexit. Experts suggest that a carefully phased approach to implementing the proposed scheme could mitigate immediate migration concerns by allowing for gradual increases in quotas as participants leave after their visas expire.
In addition to youth mobility, fishing rights remain a sensitive subject as the post-Brexit fishing deal is set to expire in June 2026. Several EU countries, notably France, are advocating for an extension of the current fishing arrangements, which were established in 2020. The fishing industry, despite accounting for only 0.4% of the UK's GDP, was a prominent issue during the Brexit campaign, with promises made to establish the UK as an 'independent coastal state.' However, the current situation sees EU vessels continuing to access UK waters, which has raised concerns among UK fishing groups about the sustainability of their operations. Reports indicate that while overall fish landings in the UK have increased, English fishing boats have seen a decline due to the way fish quotas were allocated post-Brexit. Consequently, UK fishermen are seeking better access to EU markets and are calling for negotiations that prioritize their interests in future fishing agreements. The summit is anticipated to be a crucial platform for addressing these interconnected issues, requiring compromises from both sides to foster better trade relations, particularly in agricultural goods as well as fishing and youth mobility.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the pressing issues of youth mobility and fishing rights in the context of upcoming UK/EU negotiations. These topics are not just logistical concerns but also reflect deeper socio-political dynamics following Brexit. The emphasis on youth mobility suggests a desire to facilitate cultural and economic exchanges, while fishing rights underscore the contentious aftermath of the UK’s departure from the EU.
Political Sensitivity and Immigration Concerns
The call for a new youth mobility scheme from the EU indicates a recognition of the importance of young people's mobility for mutual benefits. However, the UK's immigration policies, particularly the Conservative government's stance on reducing immigration levels, complicate this issue. By framing these discussions around youth mobility, the article subtly addresses the tension between economic needs and political promises. This reflects the broader narrative of balancing national interests with international cooperation, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding immigration.
Fishing Rights as a Symbol of Sovereignty
The fishing rights dispute serves as a potent symbol of the UK's post-Brexit identity. The article illustrates the conflicting interests between the UK fishing industry and EU demands, emphasizing the challenges of renegotiating agreements that were already contentious. This focus on fishing rights taps into nationalistic sentiments, portraying the UK as a country reclaiming its autonomy while navigating complex international relationships.
Public Perception and Potential Implications
There is an underlying push to shape public perception regarding the importance of these negotiations. By highlighting youth mobility and fishing rights, the article seeks to engage younger demographics who may feel disenfranchised by Brexit. This demographic's support could be crucial for political parties in future elections. The reference to the significant drop in EU students also hints at broader implications for UK education and economic sectors, potentially affecting workforce availability and cultural diversity.
Connections to Broader Narratives
In comparison to other news pieces discussing Brexit, this article aligns with a growing narrative around the need for pragmatic solutions that address both economic realities and political commitments. It reflects a larger trend of media framing that seeks to present complex issues in a way that resonates with public concerns while pushing for a reconciliatory approach between the UK and EU.
Market and Economic Influence
From a market standpoint, developments in the fishing industry and youth mobility schemes could influence sectors related to education, hospitality, and tourism. Increased youth mobility may positively impact the UK's economy by attracting young talent, while unresolved fishing rights issues could lead to volatility in related markets. Companies involved in fishing or reliant on EU labor might see fluctuations in stock performance based on the outcomes of these negotiations.
Global Context and Strategic Importance
This news report carries significance in the broader context of UK-EU relations post-Brexit. The ongoing discussions around mobility and fishing rights reflect the challenges of establishing a stable relationship between the UK and EU, which is crucial for both economic stability and geopolitical strategy in the region.
The language used in the article is direct and informative, aiming to present the complexities of these issues without overt manipulation. However, the framing of youth mobility and fishing rights as crucial points of contention could be seen as a way to rally public interest and support for specific political agendas. The overall reliability of the article seems solid, as it presents factual information while acknowledging the ongoing debates surrounding these issues.