Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared his intention to go further than Prime Minister Keir Starmer in forging a closer relationship with the European Union, as he once again declined to rule out a future bid for the country's top job.
Breaking ranks on Brexit and social media
In a significant intervention, Mr Streeting described Sir Keir's recent 'reset' deal with Brussels—a move criticised by the Tories and Reform UK as a surrender—as merely a 'good start'. He argued that the optimal path to economic growth lies in establishing a 'closer trading relationship' with the EU, strongly hinting at his support for the UK rejoining the customs union.
This position directly contravenes one of Sir Keir Starmer's three fundamental political 'red lines' on Brexit. The MP for Ilford North elaborated, stating, 'The best way for us to get more growth into our economy is a deeper trading relationship with the EU.'
He attributed the UK's post-Brexit economic struggles to the loss of 'enormous economic benefits that came with being in the single market and the customs union'. However, he added a crucial caveat, noting that any new economic partnership 'can't lead to a return to freedom of movement'.
In a separate policy divergence, Mr Streeting used an interview with The Observer to suggest support for Australia's model of banning social media for children under 16. This contrasts with the Prime Minister's stated opposition to a 'blanket ban', though Downing Street has said it is 'closely monitoring the policy'. The Health Secretary proposed the government should observe Australia's results 'to see if that's something we should consider doing here'.
Leadership ambitions and political positioning
Despite insisting Sir Keir has his 'absolute support', Mr Streeting's comments have fuelled further speculation about his leadership aspirations, coming just a month after Downing Street insiders accused him of plotting a coup. When directly asked if he wants to be leader, he responded, 'The closer I see that job and the pressure on Keir and the demands of that job, the more I wonder why anyone would want it.'
He pointedly refused to rule himself out, however, saying he was 'diplomatically ducking the question to avoid any more of the silly soap opera we've had in the last few months'.
In a notable personal reflection, Mr Streeting added that he believes the country is prepared to elect its first gay prime minister. He was quick to clarify, 'I want to make it explicitly clear this is not a pitch or a job application. The Prime Minister's got my absolute support.'
His pro-EU stance appears part of a deliberate political strategy. He warned against the Labour Party trying to 'out-Reform Reform', stating, 'That's not who we are. Those aren't our values and we've got to beat them, not join them.' This signals an appeal to Remain-inclined voters rather than a shift towards populist, right-wing policies.
Fierce criticism from political rivals
The comments have drawn immediate and fierce criticism from opposition parties. A Conservative Party spokesman accused Mr Streeting of neglecting his health service duties, stating, 'Instead of focusing on running the health service, Wes Streeting is busy courting Left-wing, pro-EU Labour Party members – now even floating the idea of dragging Britain back into the EU's customs union. Patients and NHS staff deserve a Health Secretary focused on delivery, not political pitch-making.'
Reform UK's Deputy Leader, Richard Tice, was equally scathing, asserting, 'We've heard it straight from the horse's mouth, Labour Remoaners will not be satisfied until every valuable Brexit freedom is surrendered directly to Brussels.'
These developments underscore the ongoing tensions within the Labour Party regarding the UK's future relationship with Europe and highlight the persistent speculation surrounding the ambitions of one of its most prominent frontbenchers.
