Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to pursue a significantly closer relationship with the European Union, intensifying pressure from within the Labour Party to further undo the economic impacts of Brexit.
Pressure Mounts for Closer EU Alignment
In a recent interview, the 42-year-old cabinet minister argued that the UK must aim to rejoin the EU's customs union, a move that would mark a major shift from the government's stated position. The government has previously committed to remaining outside both the single market and customs union, explicitly ruling out any return to freedom of movement.
Sir Keir Starmer has already taken steps to improve relations with Brussels, securing a revised trade deal in May this year which eased some regulatory burdens and included concessions on fishing rights. However, for figures like Streeting, this does not go far enough to repair the economic damage caused by leaving the EU.
Economic Case for Customs Union Return
Speaking to The Observer, Streeting laid out his reasoning bluntly. "The reason why leaving the EU hit us so hard as a country is because of the enormous economic benefits that came with being in the single market and the customs union," he stated.
He emphasised the government's desire for a closer trading partnership but acknowledged the political red line. "The challenge is any economic partnership we have can't lead to a return to freedom of movement," Streeting added, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic gain and immigration control.
The Health Secretary also linked the nation's economic struggles directly to Brexit, stating, "We've taken a massive economic hit leaving the European Union. I'm really uncomfortable with the level of taxation in this country." While he credited the May deal as a "good start," he made clear his belief that the UK must go further.
Leadership Ambitions Refuse to Fade
This intervention comes alongside Streeting's continued refusal to rule out a future bid for the Labour leadership, a move that fuels persistent speculation about his ambitions. Last month, he forcefully denied plotting to oust Sir Keir, dismissing such rumours as self-defeating and akin to scenarios from the TV show 'Celebrity Traitors'.
Despite these denials, he remains widely touted as a potential successor alongside other rising stars like Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Reports suggest Sir Keir is acutely aware of the simmering threat to his position and is already engaging with backbench MPs in a bid to shore up support.
Streeting's comments represent a significant public challenge from within the cabinet, setting the stage for further debate on the UK's post-Brexit direction and the stability of the current Labour leadership.
