Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, has officially launched his bid for the Labour leadership, calling for the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union. In a move that has already sparked fierce debate within the party, Mr Streeting described Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake” and proposed forging a new “special relationship” with Brussels. His announcement has drawn sharp criticism from Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who accused him of “reopening the Brexit wars” and dismissed his stance as “odd.”
Leadership contest heats up
Mr Streeting’s leadership campaign is built on a platform of reversing the 2016 referendum result, arguing that leaving the EU has damaged the UK’s economy and global standing. He has pledged to prioritise EU membership as a central issue in the contest, despite warnings from colleagues that it could alienate voters who backed Leave. In a statement, Mr Streeting said: “We cannot afford to ignore the catastrophic mistake of Brexit. It is time to build a new relationship with our European neighbours, one that puts jobs and prosperity first.”
However, his proposal has been met with resistance from within the party. Lisa Nandy, a senior figure in the current government, was quick to condemn the move. “This is exactly the kind of divisive rhetoric that lost us the last election,” she said. “We need to focus on the issues that matter to working people, not reopen old wounds. The British people have made their decision, and we must respect that.” Mr Nandy’s comments reflect a broader concern among Labour moderates that embracing EU membership could cost the party support in key constituencies.
Burnham’s cautious approach
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is also positioning himself for the leadership, but with a markedly different strategy. Mr Burnham is contesting the Makerfield by-election, which he views as a stepping stone to a potential leadership bid. His campaign is expected to de-emphasise Brexit, with allies confirming that he will not be “going big on Europe.” Instead, Mr Burnham is focusing on a message of “saving” the Labour Party by appealing to traditional working-class voters who have drifted away from the party in recent years.
“Andy believes the party needs to reconnect with its base,” a source close to the mayor said. “He won’t be drawn into a debate about Europe that divides us. His priority is jobs, public services, and rebuilding trust with communities that feel left behind.” This pragmatic approach may resonate with Labour members who are wary of another internal battle over Brexit, which dominated the party’s agenda from 2016 to 2019 and contributed to its heavy defeat in the 2019 general election.
As the leadership contest unfolds, the divide between candidates like Mr Streeting and Mr Burnham underscores the ongoing struggle within Labour to define its stance on Europe. With the party still recovering from electoral setbacks, the outcome of this race could shape its direction for years to come.
