Labour's Wes Streeting Demands EU Rejoining Debate, Andy Burnham Considers Stance
Wes Streeting, recently resigned from the shadow cabinet, stated on Saturday that "leaving the European Union was a catastrophic mistake." Speaking at the Progress Conference, a gathering of the Labour Party's 'Blairite' faction, he confirmed his intention to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership. He argued that Labour's "overcautiousness" in opposition had hindered its ability to address "the big issues that define our age," with Brexit topping his list.
"It has left us less wealthy, less powerful, and less in control than at any point since before the Industrial Revolution," Streeting asserted. He advocated for "a new special relationship with the EU," ultimately envisioning the UK "one day back in the European Union," albeit contingent on a fresh mandate such as a general election.
Within an hour, Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticised Streeting's remarks, framing them as "yet another distraction" at a time when the government should focus on the cost of living, the economy, public services, and defence. Hollinrake stated, "whilst Labour relitigate Brexit, Britain is not being governed."
Streeting's intervention has spotlighted Andy Burnham's position. Burnham, campaigning in the Makerfield constituency for a likely 18 June by-election, told ITV News that "in the long-term there is a case for that" regarding rejoining the EU, but added he was "not advocating that in this by-election." Reform UK, noting that 65% of Makerfield residents voted for Brexit in 2016, intends to use Burnham's past statement – "I hope in my lifetime I see this country rejoin the European Union" – to galvanise voters.
Other parties also weighed in, with the Liberal Democrats reiterating their call for a customs union and the Green Party advocating for "full membership of the EU as soon as the political will is present." The immediate reaction underscores how the UK's relationship with the EU remains a significant dividing line in British politics.
