In a dramatic intervention that signals a major shift in Labour's Brexit stance, Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared the UK's current deal with the European Union "not fit for purpose." The senior Labour figure delivered his blunt assessment during a high-profile appearance at the Institute for Government, sending shockwaves through Westminster.
A Damning Verdict on Post-Brexit Reality
Streeting didn't mince words when evaluating the Conservative-negotiated agreement, stating unequivocally that the deal has failed to deliver on its promises. "The deal the government has struck is not working for Britain," he asserted, highlighting the mounting evidence of economic damage and trade barriers that have hampered British businesses since implementation.
The Case for Renegotiation
The Labour frontbencher outlined several critical areas where the current arrangement falls short:
- Trade barriers causing significant disruption to UK exporters
- Regulatory alignment issues creating unnecessary red tape
- Scientific cooperation limitations affecting research and innovation
- Economic underperformance compared to pre-Brexit projections
Streeting emphasised that a future Labour government would seek "a better deal for Britain" through constructive renegotiation rather than confrontation with Brussels.
Labour's Strategic Pivot
This represents a significant evolution in Labour's position under Keir Starmer's leadership. While stopping short of advocating rejoining the EU single market or customs union, Streeting's comments mark the clearest indication yet that Labour intends to fundamentally reshape the UK's relationship with Europe.
"We need to make Brexit work better than it is today," Streeting declared, acknowledging the political reality that Britain has left the EU while arguing for practical improvements to the current framework.
Industry Reaction and Political Fallout
Business leaders have welcomed Streeting's intervention, with many expressing relief that a major political party is finally acknowledging the practical difficulties they've faced since Brexit. However, Conservative MPs have immediately criticised the remarks as "opening the door to betrayal" of the 2016 referendum result.
The timing is particularly significant, coming as the UK economy faces multiple challenges and businesses grapple with the ongoing consequences of the post-Brexit trading environment.
What Comes Next?
While Streeting stopped short of detailing specific negotiating objectives, his speech clearly signals that Brexit will remain a live political issue heading into the next general election. The Labour frontbencher's willingness to confront the deal's shortcomings suggests his party believes the public mood has shifted sufficiently to allow for a more critical assessment of Brexit's outcomes.
As one Westminster insider noted: "This isn't about re-fighting old battles. It's about acknowledging reality and seeking practical solutions to make our relationship with Europe work better for British businesses and consumers."
