Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ignited a political firestorm after appearing to advocate for the UK to re-join a customs union with the European Union, leading opposition parties to accuse him of focusing on a future leadership bid over his current health portfolio.
Political Pitch or Policy Suggestion?
In an interview with the Observer newspaper, Mr Streeting argued that securing a "deeper trading relationship" with Europe was the best way to boost Britain's economic growth. This stance was interpreted by many as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has recently ruled out any change in government policy towards a customs union.
The Health Secretary attempted to draw a line by ruling out a return to the single market and the accompanying freedom of movement. However, his explicit openness to a customs union arrangement created a clear dividing line with the Prime Minister's established 'red lines'. "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," Mr Streeting told the paper.
Accusations of Leadership Ambition
The comments prompted immediate backlash from across the political spectrum. A Government source, cited by the Times, accused Mr Streeting of "setting out his stall" for a leadership bid. This is not the first time such speculation has surfaced; only in November, the Health Secretary was forced to deny rumours he wanted to replace Sir Keir in Downing Street.
When questioned about his ambitions by the Observer, Mr Streeting downplayed the idea, stating, "The closer I see that job and the pressure on Keir and the demands of that job, the more I wonder why anyone would want it." He later affirmed that the PM has his "absolute support".
Cross-Party Condemnation and Internal Pressure
The Conservative Party seized on the remarks, with a spokesman stating: "Instead of focusing on running the health service, Wes Streeting is busy courting left-wing, pro-EU Labour Party members." They argued that NHS patients and staff deserve a Health Secretary focused on "delivery, not political pitch-making".
Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice MP, was more scathing, describing the proposal as a surrender of a "valuable Brexit freedom" to Brussels. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has warned that re-joining a customs union would undo independent trade deals struck with countries like the US and India.
Despite the Prime Minister's firm stance, there is internal pressure within Labour. On December 9, 2025, 13 Labour MPs voted in the Commons in favour of the Customs Union (Duty to Negotiate) Bill, which would pave the way for a new customs union, highlighting a faction within the party seeking closer EU ties.
The episode leaves Wes Streeting walking a tightrope, balancing his departmental responsibilities with a policy intervention that has reignited questions about his long-term political ambitions and exposed fissures within the governing party over post-Brexit strategy.
