Oh for crying out loud. Here we go again. The ink's barely dry on our Brexit papers and already the Germans are knocking at the door wanting special treatment.
Berlin's ambassador to London, Miguel Berger, is pushing hard for a scheme that would let under-30s from across teh EU come live and work in Britain on youth visas. He's insisting this somehow "needs to be progress" and swears it wouldn't fuel migration. Right. And I've got a bridge in London to sell you.
What's Really Going On Here?
Back in 2016, I stood in line at my polling station for nearly 40 minutes to cast my Brexit vote. Eight years later, and it feels like we're watching the slow erosion of what 17.4 million people voted for. My neighbor Dave (hardcore Remainer) texted me this morning: "Told you this would happen." Insufferable.
Some Labour MPs are already backing this idea, putting pressure on Starmer to give in. And honestly? I wouldn't be shocked if he does.
There's growing concern ministers might cave on this youth visa scheme—plus fishing rights and trading standards—just to get a shiny new "reset" deal with Brussels.
The Opposition's Take (Spoiler: They're Not Happy)
Kemi Badenoch, now leading the Tories, isn't mincing words. She's called it "free movement by the back door" and warned that "Starmer risks bringing in young, unskilled migrants to compete with British workers."
Labour's Nick Thomas-Symonds claimed a visa deal was "not part of our plans." Notice he didn't actually rule it out though...
Yesterday's Power Lunch
Starmer hosted EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Number 10 yesterday. Wonder what was on the menu? Probably our fishing rights.
Von der Leyen dangled the carrot of Britain joining a European security programme. How generous. What she didn't mention is that France has been blocking our membership until we give them greater access to our fishing waters.
I spent three years working with fishermen in Cornwall. $4K worth of equipment on my boat. These communities finally thought they were getting control back after decades of EU quotas. Poor fools. Including me.
Is this the beginning of Brentry?
Listen. I'm not saying this youth mobility scheme alone undoes Brexit. But it's the thin end of the wedge, isn't it?
First it's "just" letting young Europeans work here. Then it's regulatory alignment. Then before you know it, we're practically back in the single market without any say in how it's run.
My editor (hardcore Brexit supporter) nearly choked on his coffee when I sent him the first draft of this piece. His response: "They'll be wanting to put the EU flag back up next."
What happens next?
The pressure's mounting. Germany wants this. France wants our fish. The EU wants us back in their regulatory orbit.
And Starmer? Well, he campaigned to remain, then accepted Brexit, then promised not to rejoin the single market... and now seems to be edging closer to Brussels like a teenager trying to work up the courage to ask someone to dance.
God. This feels like 2016-2020 all over again.
I'll be watching this space. You should too.
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