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The question of the UK’s future relationship with the European Union is emerging as a significant topic in the context of both a potential Labour leadership challenge and the upcoming by-election in the Makerfield constituency. At a recent event in London, Wes Streeting, the former Health Secretary who recently left the cabinet, spoke openly about Brexit, describing the UK’s departure from the EU as “a catastrophic mistake.” This marked his first public appearance since his resignation.
Speaking at the Progress Conference, associated with the Labour Party’s “Blairite” faction, Streeting announced his intention to mount a formal challenge to replace the current Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer. His outspoken stance on Brexit quickly drew criticism from Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake, who accused Labour of “relitigating Brexit” instead of focusing on governing. Hollinrake called Streeting’s comments “yet another distraction” at a time when the government should be concentrating on pressing issues such as the cost of living, the economy, public services, and national defense.
Under Starmer, Labour has maintained a cautious approach regarding Brexit, adhering to certain “red lines” which rule out rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union, despite aiming for a closer relationship with the EU. Streeting criticised this approach during his speech, suggesting Labour’s policies in opposition have been marked by “overcautiousness” and a fear of Tory criticism. He argued the party must now address the major challenges confronting the country, highlighting Brexit as the first of three critical decisions the UK must face. He claimed Brexit has left Britain “less wealthy, less powerful, and less in control” than at any time since before the Industrial Revolution and advocated for a renewed “special relationship with the EU” and eventual EU membership, contingent on winning a fresh electoral mandate.
The issue has also shone a spotlight on Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is campaigning to become the Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election expected on 18 June. Burnham acknowledged that “in the long-term there is a case” for rejoining the EU but stated he is “not advocating that in this by-election.” He emphasized respecting the 2016 referendum result and the need for a fresh mandate for any such significant move. Reform UK, a party seeking to capitalize on Brexit sentiments in the area — where 65% voted to leave the EU in 2016 — has targeted this issue, citing Burnham’s past statements favoring rejoining the EU during his lifetime. Reform UK views the topic as a way to mobilize voters in a constituency where Labour performed strongly but faces significant competition. Burnham, focusing his campaign on issues relating to economic renewal and reversing deindustrialisation in the region, argues for a “new path” that includes public control over essential services and large-scale council housing development, reflecting broader political divides over Brexit and the UK’s future relationship with Europe
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