Labour leadership contender Wes Streeting has described Brexit as a 'catastrophic mistake' and argued that the UK should rejoin the European Union. Streeting, who resigned as health secretary last week, is expected to run in any contest to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister.
Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, has also expressed support for eventual rejoining, saying he sees a 'long-term case' for it, though he would not advocate it immediately. Burnham is set to fight an upcoming byelection on a platform challenging Starmer.
The comments from two key figures manoeuvring to become Britain's next prime minister have thrust the UK-EU relationship back into the centre of political debate. The question now is how such a bid might be received, both domestically and within the EU.
Since leaving the EU in 2020, the UK has faced trade barriers and regulatory divergence. Public opinion has shifted slightly in favour of rejoining, but significant political hurdles remain. The EU would likely require the UK to accept the four freedoms of the single market, including free movement of people, which was a key Brexit issue.
Any formal bid would need to navigate complex negotiations and likely face opposition from Brexit supporters. The EU has shown little appetite for reopening membership talks, focusing instead on implementing the existing Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
