Former UK-based student Von der Leyen, meanwhile, is a keen supporter of youth mobility – and last week, The i newspaper reported the EU was ready to offer concessions to get a deal. 

One of the concessions includes cutting the length of time EU citizens would be able to stay in the UK from four years to two or three, the paper reports.

A youth mobility deal is a key EU ask if Starmer wants to unlock new agreements on security and trade, The i newspaper added.

British universities insist they have adopted a “watch and wait” approach, but are ultimately likely to urge the government to find a way to restart the flow of EU students to the UK after Brexit. 

In September, Sunvil chair Noel Josephides warned of dire consequences for travel if a youth mobility scheme is not introduced.

“Our industry, and the UK itself, will be much worse off as a result of no longer having access to such a resourceful young talent pool,” said Josephides.

“Travel companies lose out, young people lose out, and the UK itself will lose out too.”