Downing Street has moved to quell speculation of a Cabinet rift after Health Secretary Wes Streeting appeared to challenge the Prime Minister's Brexit stance by advocating for a closer trading relationship with the European Union.
Cabinet Unity and Brexit Red Lines Reasserted
In response to questions about ministerial discipline, the Prime Minister's official spokesman stated that Sir Keir Starmer is "very happy" with his Cabinet. The spokesman emphasised that ministers are focused on core government priorities like reducing the cost of living and stimulating growth.
The remarks followed an interview Mr Streeting gave to the Observer newspaper on Sunday, 22 December 2025. The Health Secretary argued that a "deeper trading relationship" with Europe was key to boosting UK economic growth, a comment widely interpreted as support for joining a customs union with the EU.
This position seemingly contradicted Sir Keir's own recent declarations. Only in recent weeks, the Prime Minister has explicitly ruled out any shift in government policy towards a customs union. When pressed on Mr Streeting's comments, Number 10 pointed to a speech Sir Keir gave in early December, where he said the UK was "sticking to our red lines" with the bloc.
The Substance of the Streeting Intervention
In his interview, Wes Streeting drew a clear distinction between the single market and a customs union. He ruled out a return to the single market, which would necessitate accepting freedom of movement, but his language on a customs union was more open.
"The best way for us to get more growth into our economy is a deeper trading relationship with the EU," Mr Streeting told the Observer. He added that the economic damage of Brexit stemmed from losing the benefits of the single market and customs union, stating this is a "Government that wants a closer trading relationship with Europe."
Sir Keir Starmer has consistently stated that rejoining the EU customs union is a red line for his government, warning it would undermine independent trade deals struck with nations like the US and India. A customs union would grant the UK tariff-free access to the EU market but require it to adopt common external tariffs and product standards.
Political Fallout and Leadership Speculation
The episode has ignited political controversy and fresh speculation about internal Labour dynamics. According to The Times, a Government source accused Mr Streeting of "setting out his stall" for a future leadership bid with his comments. This is not the first time such rumours have surfaced; in November, the Health Secretary was forced to deny suggestions he wanted to oust Sir Keir.
In his Observer interview, Mr Streeting again dismissed leadership ambitions, questioning why anyone would want the job given its pressures, and affirmed that the Prime Minister has his "absolute support."
The Conservative Party was quick to criticise, with a spokesman saying: "Instead of focusing on running the health service, Wes Streeting is busy courting left-wing, pro-EU Labour Party members." They argued NHS patients and staff deserve a Health Secretary focused on delivery.
Reform UK's Richard Tice MP labelled the situation a "shameful betrayal" of the 2016 Brexit vote, claiming Labour 'Remoaners' would not stop until Brexit freedoms were surrendered.
The incident also highlights pressure on Starmer from within his own party. On 9 December, 13 Labour MPs rebelled to vote in favour of the Customs Union (Duty to Negotiate) Bill, a move that, while symbolic, signals ongoing dissent regarding the government's post-Brexit trade strategy.
