Overview

• The chancellor urged the prime minister to back a reciprocal, time‑limited programme for under‑30s to live and work in the UK and EU, arguing it would support growth and business.
• Reeves wants the OBR to score the wider EU reset and the youth mobility plan ahead of the budget, citing research that an extra 31,000 net migrants a year could lift GDP over time and raise revenues.
• Reports suggest the Treasury faces a gap of roughly £30 billion to as much as £50 billion, and Reeves says stronger growth from the policy could reduce pressure for tax rises.
• A youth mobility element formed part of the government’s earlier EU reset talks, but specifics on eligible ages, visa duration and annual numbers have not yet been agreed.
• Political opponents, including Nigel Farage, warn the plan risks a route back to free movement, while polling reported by the Independent indicates broad public support, including among many Reform UK voters.