Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has faced criticism after suggesting that a deeper trading relationship with the European Union, potentially including a customs union, would be the best way to grow the UK economy. His remarks, made in an interview with the Observer, appear to go further than the government’s official position, which has ruled out rejoining the customs union.
Streeting said the UK had taken a “massive economic hit” from leaving the EU and expressed discomfort with the current level of taxation. “The best way for us to get more growth into our economy is a deeper trading relationship with the EU,” he said, though he ruled out a return to freedom of movement. Some cabinet members are reportedly pushing for a more ambitious reset with Brussels.
The comments have drawn criticism, with opponents accusing Streeting of exceeding the government’s stance. In the same interview, Streeting also addressed the ongoing junior doctors’ strike, stating the NHS was “coping” but expressing concern about recovery during the busy winter period. Unison’s incoming general secretary Andrea Egan described his approach to striking workers as “unacceptable”.
Streeting, considered a potential future Labour leader, dismissed recent speculation that he was positioning himself to replace Sir Keir Starmer, calling it a “bizarre drive-by”. He reaffirmed his support for the Prime Minister, while not entirely ruling out future ambition. Labour chair Anna Turley insisted Starmer would still be Prime Minister next Christmas.
