The Brexit debate has resurfaced to dominate Labour leadership discussions this weekend, revealing a firm split within the party's senior ranks. Leadership contender Wes Streeting declared it was time to rejoin the European Union, calling Brexit a "catastrophic mistake" that left the UK "less wealthy, less powerful, and less in control than at any point since before the Industrial Revolution."
Streeting's Pitch Sparks Controversy
Speaking at the Blairite Progress Conference as part of his leadership campaign, the former Health Secretary argued that in a dangerous world, Britain must "club together" with Europe to rebuild the economy and improve defence against shared threats. He stated: "The biggest economic opportunity we have is on our doorstep. We need a new special relationship with the EU, because Britain's future lies with Europe – and one day back in the European Union."
His comments ignited a war of words across Labour's top ranks. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called the remarks "a bit odd," while Andy Burnham, the Makerfield by-election hopeful, said he was "not advocating that in this byelection." Backbencher Jonathan Hinder, MP for Pendle and Clitheroe, added that most voters would think he was "off his rocker" if he raised rejoining after the years of chaos Brexit caused. He said: "They would rightly look at me as if I had gone mad."
Public Opinion on Rejoining
Despite internal party divisions, recent polls suggest the public is leaning toward rejoining. A YouGov survey from April 2026 found that 55 percent of 2,104 Brits wanted to rejoin the EU, while 33 percent preferred to remain outside. The debate continues as Labour prepares for a major leadership contest, with Streeting's stance setting the stage for a broader conversation about the UK's future relationship with Europe.
