A fresh row has erupted within the Labour Party after former health secretary Wes Streeting argued that Britain should eventually seek to rejoin the European Union. His intervention has been publicly dismissed as “odd” by culture secretary Lisa Nandy, exposing deepening divisions as the party braces for a critical by-election in Makerfield that could trigger a leadership challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Streeting, who resigned from the cabinet on Thursday in protest at Starmer’s leadership, told reporters on Saturday that “Britain’s future lies with Europe – and one day back in the European Union.” He cited the need to rebuild the economy and strengthen defence against shared threats, adding that he would stand in a leadership contest if one were triggered.
Nandy responded on Sunday, telling the BBC that the sudden focus on Europe was “a bit odd.” While acknowledging she also believed Brexit was a mistake, she argued the government should focus on pragmatically repairing damage from the poor Brexit deal rather than revisiting the circular debates that had divided the country.
Streeting’s allies hit back, claiming Nandy’s unwillingness to discuss EU membership highlighted a broader reluctance within the party to take political risks. “There is no point in trying not to upset anybody, that’s what got us into this problem,” one ally said. “Sometimes you have to be willing to upset people to get things done.”
The dispute comes as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, widely expected to be the Labour candidate in the Makerfield by-election, has also voiced support for a “long-term case” for rejoining the EU, though he said it would not be a feature of his campaign. Burnham has openly declared his intention to challenge Starmer for the party leadership if he wins the seat, adding to the turmoil facing the Prime Minister.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch seized on the row, calling it a “sign of the Labour party that does not have a plan for the country” and accusing Labour of wanting to refight old battles. The internal debate reflects the jostling among potential leadership contenders as Labour struggles with declining poll ratings and internal dissent.
