Wes Streeting, who resigned as Britain’s health secretary last week and has announced his intention to run in any contest to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister, has described Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake” and called for the UK to rejoin the EU. His comments have thrust the UK-EU relationship back into the centre of political debate.
Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, who will fight an upcoming by-election on a promise to challenge Starmer, also said he saw a “long-term case” for rejoining, though he would not advocate it immediately. The remarks from two key figures manoeuvring to be Britain’s next prime minister have reignited discussion on the UK’s post-Brexit direction.
Critics accuse Streeting of reopening the divisive Brexit wars, arguing that such a move risks destabilising the current government and distracting from domestic issues. Meanwhile, supporters see the push as a necessary step to restore closer ties with Europe.
