Sir Sadiq Khan this week told European Union diplomats “Brexit was a mistake” as he renewed his support for a UK-EU youth mobility scheme.

The Mayor of London argued that stronger ties with the bloc would help offset US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs.

Sir Sadiq said Britain’s withdrawal from the trading bloc “continues to have a negative impact” in a speech made at a meeting on Tuesday.

He said: “I’m a proud European and of the view Brexit was a mistake that continues to have a negative impact – not just on my city and country, but on the European community as a whole.”

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Sir Keir Starmer’s Government has made resetting relations with the EU a priority, but repeatedly ruled out returning to the single market, customs union or freedom of movement.

But it has resisted proposals from Brussels for a new scheme to allow under-30s from the bloc to live, work and study in the UK and vice versa.

At a meeting with the EU ambassador and UK ambassadors of the 27 member states, Sir Sadiq said he wants to look at ways to make it easier for schoolchildren from the EU to visit Britain.

The Mayor of London said he remains passionate about growing and improving Britain’s relationship with the EU across every area possible, insisting European allies must unite to tackle “shared challenges” including the rise of an “intolerant and anti-democratic populism”.

The remarks came after he was told by the Labour Government that “a period of silence would be most welcome” in a public rebuke over his earlier warnings of “resurgent fascism” under a new Trump presidency.

A spokesman said the Government is committed to resetting the relationship with the EU to improve the British people’s security, safety and prosperity.

He added: “We have been clear there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union or the single market.”